Meet the YeBo Academy

Class of 2023

Step into a world of inspiration with the captivating profiles of the YeBo Academy Class of 2023. In this collection, the students pick up their pens and become the storytellers, delving into their fellow classmates' journeys to unearth stories of triumph, resilience, and transformation. From overcoming personal challenges to chasing big dreams, these self-penned narratives paint a beautiful picture of the diverse backgrounds, passions, and aspirations of these young change makers. Get ready to be moved and motivated as you ‘Meet the YeBo Academy Class of 2023’ through their own heartfelt and inspiring accounts.

  • Sisipho Gxogxo

    “Don’t rush, just breathe! Take everything as it comes and deal with it, accordingly, don’t stress yourself with things that are out of your control or things that you can not change …”

  • Naigan Wolmarans

    "When we have courage to walk into our own story and own it, we get to write the ending."

  • A woman is smiling in front of a yellow eBa connect banner, with a whiteboard displaying a "Welcome Back" message and illustrated faces, at an indoor event or classroom.

    Colleen Kondowe

    “I wish every young person could have a mentor because you not only get someone to advise you but, you get someone who believes in you…”

  • A young person with a short haircut, wearing a dark hoodie and a black Adidas sweatshirt with a white trefoil logo, standing against a vibrant red and blue textured wall.

    Sinethemba Moni

    “We’re here to add what we can to life, not what we can get from life.”

  • A smiling young man standing in front of a yellow banner that reads 'Connecting youth to opportunities,' inside a room with educational materials. Behind him, a whiteboard displays a welcome message and drawings of various faces.

    Indiphile Mngcongela

    “Be patient with me, I might be delaying but I am carrying a heavy load.”

  • A woman with braided hair, smiling, wearing a purple sweatshirt that says 'South Campus University,' sitting at a wooden table with an open magazine, a pair of scissors, and yellow paper in an office or waiting room with empty green and black cushioned chairs.

    Evardene Abrahams

    “If you want to go somewhere, wake up and do something.”

  • Siphosethu Plaatjies

    Siphosethu Plaatjies

    “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.”

  • A smiling man with a shaved head and a white collared shirt standing in front of a yellow sign with the words "Connecting you to opportunities" printed on it.

    Zukisa Mnguphane

    "There is nothing new under the sun. If you want to do anything just know there was someone who has done it before, you just need to enquire the skills and knowledge to do it and succeed."

  • A woman with braided hair and a polka dot headscarf smiling and sitting in an indoor space with red partition in the background, with other images on the wall behind her.

    Allineque Carelse

    “Knowing that somewhere somehow I made an impact in a child’s life gives me a reason to go on.”

  • A smiling woman with braided hair, wearing a black jacket and white shirt, standing in front of a green background with partially visible white text.

    Sibulele Sotondoshe

    “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

  • A young man with short curly hair and a beard is smiling at the camera, wearing a yellow jacket. Behind him is a water cooler, a white shelving unit, and a poster with text about responsiveness and integrity.

    Damian Marais

    “You need to take care of yourself before taking care of others because you cannot pour from an empty cup.”

  • Smiling young woman with glasses and braided hair taking a selfie in front of colorful banners and posters at an educational or career event.

    Sinovuyo Xhashimba

    “Don't forget to get up.”

  • A man wearing a black Lacoste cap and a bright green shirt with logos and text stands outdoors, with a brick building in the background.

    Ashton Solomons

    “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.”

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with short, dreadlocked hair, wearing a black floral dress, sitting at a table with a colorful patterned tablecloth, in an indoor setting.

    Zizipho September

    “Nothing happens by chance. Everything happens for a reason, it's either a blessing or a lesson.”

  • A young man with short black hair and a goatee smiling at the camera inside a brightly lit indoor space, possibly a community center or school, with other people and tables visible in the background.

    Beauregard Classen

    “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with braided hair, wearing a denim jacket, in an indoor setting with whiteboards and shelves in the background.

    Anelisiwe Sotyingwa

    “I am a friend to my sisters and a sister to my friends.”

  • A young man with curly dark hair, wearing a black hat and a dark shirt, smiling in front of a bright green informational wall with white text.

    Damione De Bruin

    “What comes easy doesn’t last. What lasts doesn’t come easy.”

  • A smiling man wearing glasses and a black jacket in front of a whiteboard with colorful writing.

    Cornell Williams

    “Everything starts with you.’’

  • Smiling woman with braided hair, wearing a graphic skull T-shirt and black jacket, standing in front of a green background with a logo and text.

    Amanda Hili

    "It doesn't matter where you are now but it matters how you will reach your goals."

  • A person with short curly hair, earrings, pearl necklace, and light-colored top, smiling at the camera with a whiteboard in the background that has handwritten notes.

    Luke Levenberg

    ’It’s not always about the medals and victories we achieve, but the struggles we overcome. For yesterday is but a dream and let every tomorrow be a vision of hope.’’

  • Smiling young African woman with braided hair wearing a green shirt, in a classroom or educational setting.

    Phumelela Nyushu

    “Shine wherever you go people will see you.”

  • A woman wearing glasses, a gray beanie, and a green jacket smiling while sitting on a pink upholstered bench.

    Dimpho Tomsana

    “You will never lose when you give.”

  • A joyful woman with dreadlocks in a red shirt smiling at the camera in a classroom or community center with other people.

    Batya Cele

    “No matter how hard your life gets, or whatever situation you might find yourself in always remember the following TOUGH TIMES never last, but TOUGH PEOPLE do.”

  • Portrait of a smiling woman wearing glasses and a white shirt with a name tag.

    Ongeziwe Ntamo

    “Be gentle with yourself. Be patient with yourself. Breathe, everything will be okay.”