Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Youth Development

latest news & developments

Science in Action: Advancing Knowledge NPC Science Club Competition 2026

Over 220 learners from across the Cape Winelands and Overberg regions showcased vibrant experiments and innovation at the 2026 Advancing Knowledge NPC Science Club Competition.

Masculinity: Through mentorship, life skills and emotional support, ADOPT A SON encourages boys to question harmful stereotypes about masculinity and build healthier identities. Photo: Supplied

Raising better boys

Westonaria-based non-profit ADOPT A SON is redefining masculinity and supporting vulnerable boys through early mentorship, emotional guidance, and family empowerment.

Empowering boys, building future leaders

The Empowering the Boychild initiative has hosted its milestone 25th workshop in Alexandra, connecting 50 young boys with prominent community leaders, professionals, and mentors…

Clement Manyathela returns to Vaalbank to open pathways for rural learners

Broadcaster Clement Manyathela has launched a foundation at his former school in Vaalbank, offering psychosocial support, career guidance, and mentorship to empower rural learners.

Matoti Buthelezi

At an age when many are still finding their footing, Matoti Buthelezi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matoti-buthelezi-87ab44270/), 23, is influencing conversations about South…

Yalezo Njuguna

At 32, Njuguna has built a career around the idea that the creative economy is strongest when artists, entrepreneurs and communities grow together. As an executive producer,…

Siyabonga Mshibe

Growing up in Katlehong, Siyabonga Mshibe, 28, learnt early that opportunity is rarely handed to you — it is created. Today, that belief drives his mission to ensure more young…

Bokang Mokoena

Bokang Mokoena has spent more than a decade betting on one idea: that changing a young person's future can change an entire community. It is a belief that inspired him to…

Amanda Nkuna

Amanda Nkuna is proving that communication can be a catalyst for social change. At 28, the founder and executive director of SpeechCraft Academy has built more than an education…

KC Lowther

For KC Lowther, emotional wellbeing is not an afterthought — it is the foundation on which children's futures are built. As founder and creative director of Heartwood Tales and…

Hlengiwe Penelope Mtetwa

For Hlengiwe Penelope Mtetwa, 30, the future of law lies at the intersection of legal expertise, technology and public impact. As Expert Team Lead for Contract Lifecycle…

Jamie-Lee Davids

For Jamie-Lee Davids, healing often begins where the ocean meets the shore. As Surf Therapy training manager at Waves for Change, she is helping redefine youth mental healthcare…

Dineo Moagi

For Dineo Moagi, education is about far more than improving report cards — it is about unlocking potential and changing the trajectory of a child's life. As principal of Atlegang…

Anele Nkabinde

At just 21, Anele Nkabinde is already helping inspire the next generation of engineers. As secretary and South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) STAR…

Not child’s play: Toddlers are all too often caught in the crossfore of this ongoing, deep-
rooted social issue on the Cape Flats.

Fix the boy; save the nation

South Africa grapples with alarmingly high rates of gender-based violence and femicide. This article highlights the critical need to address the root causes of violence by…