Meet the YeBo Academy

Class of 2024

Meet the YeBo Academy Class of 2024. This collection showcases the students as they take on the role of storytellers, exploring the remarkable journeys of their classmates. These self-written narratives reveal tales of triumph, resilience, and transformation. Each story highlights personal challenges overcome and dreams pursued, painting a vivid picture of these young change-makers' diverse backgrounds, passions, and aspirations. Prepare to be moved and inspired as you meet the YeBo Academy Class of 2024 through their heartfelt and compelling accounts.

  • Sophumelela Mahamba

    “Be the change you want to see.”

  • Justin Sauls

    “Never forget where you came from and where you are going.”

  • Smiling woman wearing a red knit beanie and a black jacket with logos, standing in front of a colorful mural of diverse faces.

    Asavela Qongotwane

    “Perseverance is the key to success.”

  • Close-up of a young man smiling, wearing a gray bucket hat and a cream-colored T-shirt with the word 'FUEL' written on it. Background includes a blurred wall with colorful posters and a television.

    Jurgan Willemse

    “Whoever controls your thoughts will control your future. Winning or losing the battle of your mind will determine your destiny.”

  • Smiling young woman with braided hair in a bun on a beach with mountains and houses in the background.

    Leigh-Main Jakobs

    “Never allow other people's opinions to define you.”

  • A man wearing glasses and a black bucket hat making a peace sign with his hand, smiling at the camera. Behind him is a partial view of another person in a striped shirt and a sign with partially visible text.

    Lynnden Buttress

    “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.”

  • Zokhanyo Zide

    “It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves.”

  • Young man in white dress shirt, dark tie, and dark pants smiling at graduation ceremony, holding a black gown in his hand, standing in front of a white curtain with black and pink decorations and a "GRADUATION 2022" sign.

    Phumelela Magida

    “The struggle you are in today is developing the strength you will need tomorrow.”

  • A young woman smiling at the camera, wearing a light pink polo shirt, standing indoors with sunlight and shadows on her face.

    Luchulumanco Nzuzo

    “I am grateful for the YeBo Academy as it helps me to cultivate greater confidence.”

  • Smiling person with glasses and a baseball cap standing in front of a brick wall, wearing a sporty white shirt, a yellow wristband, and a smartwatch with arms crossed.

    Odwa Bobo

    “Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.”

  • A woman with straight black hair wearing a pink Nike t-shirt standing against a plain white background.

    Nonzukiso Manqola

    “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

  • A young man standing against a dark gray, textured horizontal siding wall, wearing a bright green polo shirt with logos and beige cargo shorts.

    Mandilakhe Gwayi

    “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with straight black hair, wearing a blue and white striped shirt, in an indoor setting with green walls and desks in the background.

    Angelique Armenville

    “You’re never bad to become good.”

  • Smiling young man with short hair, glasses, and a green polo shirt standing against a plain wall.

    Francisco Tobais

    “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

  • A smiling woman with dark braided hair, wearing a white shirt with green floral pattern, standing in an office space.

    Liyema Mpayipheli

    “EXPLORE! Get out there and experience life for what it is.”

  • A smiling woman with braided hair, wearing a pinstripe blazer over a white t-shirt, leaning on a balcony railing with a cityscape in the background.

    Anele Kwaza

    “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

  • Sinethemba Nokele

    “Move out of your comfort zone. You can grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”

  • A smiling woman with braided hair wearing a green polo shirt stands in front of a plain wall.

    Samantha Koti

    “You cannot go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

  • A smiling young man with sunglasses on his head, wearing a black jacket and white shirt, standing in front of a window with seashell decorations and a barred gate.

    Ayasanga Ben

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

  • A woman with dark hair styled in a high bun, smiling, wearing a black top, sitting on a couch with pillows in a cozy indoor setting, with a background showing a window and kitchen area.

    Asiphe Zanywa

    “Take it one day at a time.”

  • A woman with braided hair, wearing a black top and a plaid jacket, taking a selfie outdoors in sunlight with a cloudy sky and some buildings in the background.

    Mihle Funda

    “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”