By THABO MOTLHABI
Youth empowerment took centre stage on Friday, 10 July 2026, as the Faith and Hope Foundation, led by CEO and founder Faith Sibeko, partnered with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to equip young people with skills, information, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The foundation hosted a successful information session at its centre in Tsunami, Garankuwa, bringing together young people from the community to learn about entrepreneurship, career guidance, skills development, mentorship, and funding opportunities aimed at addressing South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate.
Opening the session, Sibeko reminded participants that “Information is power,” encouraging them to use knowledge as a tool to transform their lives and build successful futures.
She challenged young people to shift their mindset from relying solely on employment opportunities to becoming entrepreneurs and job creators.
“Every challenge you face is shaping you into a leader your community needs. The seeds I plant today in youth, women and families will grow into forests of hope tomorrow. Keep walking with courage because your vision is bigger than the obstacles and your light is stronger than the shadows. I’m not just building projects; I’m building futures,” she said.
With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s greatest challenges, the initiative focused on equipping participants with practical business skills, entrepreneurship training, career guidance, access to mentorship, and funding opportunities. The programme highlighted innovation and self-employment as key pathways to economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.
Participants also registered on a database through which they will receive updates on job opportunities, business funding, skills development programmes, and future youth empowerment initiatives.
One of the attendees, Paseka Moja, welcomed the initiative and praised the commitment shown by both the Faith and Hope Foundation and the NYDA.
“I acknowledge that the department is willing to help young people, and the youth themselves are eager to empower themselves despite the scarcity of jobs. I was encouraged to see so many young people attending. I also hope the NYDA can invite other organisations in future to participate in panel discussions,” he said.
The NYDA reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with community organisations that create meaningful opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship, skills development, and economic participation.
Faith and Hope Foundation continues to champion community development, and initiatives such as this demonstrate how collaboration between government, community organisations, and stakeholders can unlock opportunities and inspire lasting change.
The event concluded on a message of hope and determination, with participants encouraged to become innovators, leaders, and employers within their communities.
