Meet the YeBo Academy
Class of 2025
This collection shares stories written by the students themselves, as they tell the journeys of their classmates. Each story is about overcoming challenges, growing through tough times, and chasing dreams. These personal stories show the different backgrounds, hopes, and passions of the YeBo Academy Class of 2025. Get ready to be inspired by their honesty, strength, and determination.
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It’s a pleasure to introduce Abongile Siyongwana from Hope Through Action (HTA) SCORE in Mbekweni. The youngest of four siblings, Abongile is a calm and observant individual. After his assistant teacher contract ended, he found himself directionless, until he received a life-changing opportunity to join YearBeyond as a YeBoneer in April 2024.
YearBeyond gave him more than just a service opportunity it gave him space to rediscover himself. Future Fit played a key role in building his confidence, helping him embrace his authentic self and step out of his shell as a shy person.
By the end of 2024, Abongile was still unsure of his next steps. His mentor, Zimkhita Mehlwana, encouraged him to apply for the YeBo Academy. Though he hadn’t planned to, he applied, trusting in her belief in him. When he passed the interview, he felt proud and finally saw the growth within himself.
Abongile is now part of the Academy, mentored by Indiphile, a proactive and reliable leader who motivates him to show up, stay authentic, and complete his tasks. He admires Indiphile’s mentorship style and aspires to adopt those qualities himself.
Deeply committed to making a difference, Abongile is passionate about tackling youth unemployment and being a part of the change he wants to see in Mbekweni.
Written by Palesa Mbewu
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Amanda Adonis, born and raised in Samora Machel, Cape Town, grew up in a loving and supportive home that nurtured her outgoing personality. Always talkative and eager to connect with people, she naturally gravitated toward social spaces.
After completing college, Amanda joined YeBo, where she found a strong sense of belonging and purpose. “YeBo gave me direction. It was a space where I could grow and discover who I really am.”
Her leadership abilities soon became evident, and she was appointed as a Champion Tutor. However, managing team dynamics and conflicts was challenging. “I learned that open and honest communication is key,” she explains. “Addressing issues directly helped build trust within my team.”
Having witnessed the struggles of young women in her community, Amanda became deeply committed to community development. “There aren’t many female role models here,” she says. “That’s why I want to create opportunities for young girls to dream bigger.”
Her love for public speaking also became a defining trait. During YeBo’s Future Fit programme, she eagerly volunteered for presentations, catching the attention of her mentors. “They saw my potential before I did,” she admits. “Even my colleagues encouraged me to consider facilitation as a career.”
Amanda envisions a future where she empowers young people to achieve their goals and works to expand YeBo’s programmes to underserved areas. She also hopes to further her education in community development.
If described in three words, Amanda confidently says: “Friendly, responsive, and informative.” Yet, she also has a softer, playful side. “People don’t know that I cry a lot,” she laughs. “And I love dancing—even though I’m not great at it!”
With her passion, leadership, and commitment, Amanda is on a mission to create meaningful change in her community.
Written by Bongani Ngabaza
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Anita Sweleni hails from a small town called Laingville in Saldanha. She is the oldest child and has three younger brothers.
To many, YearBeyond came like a “knight in shining armor” helping us navigate challenges and putting many "out of place" things into perspective. Anita shares that the programme truly boosted her confidence, she can now stand in front of a large group and speak with ease. “Self-discovery, resilience, and adaptability... all the things one needs to confidently be their true self,” she says.
When she started the programme last year, she had no idea what facilitation really entailed. But through Future Fit, training sessions, and online courses on TalentLMS, she witnessed growth.
Anita says she developed her leadership skills and her engagement with the community helped her grow in adaptability and resilience when faced with uncertainty and challenges.
Her commitment to completing TalentLMS on time did not go unnoticed , she was named a Rising Star (something every YeBoneer dreams of). One of her biggest highlights was the Opportunites Expo, where she participated in the speed networking session and connected with like-minded individuals. That moment gave her the courage to apply to the YeBo Academy.
She fondly calls her mentor her “stepladder”, someone who supported her throughout her journey. She recalls his words: “I believe you possess the qualities, drive and dedication necessary to thrive as an Academy student in 2025, and I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll excel!” Who wouldn’t feel proud of themselves after such affirming words?
Anita’s ultimate goal is to become a compassionate and effective YearBeyond mentor. “I dream of inspiring and guiding young minds…” she says, her eyes filled with promise.
Written by La-Niel Rooi
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Asanda Mgqalelo’s journey is a testament to the power of growth and transformation. Born and raised in Bredasdorp, she embarked on a life-changing path with YearBeyond. Initially uncertain about her future, the programme helped her discover her strengths and boosted her self-confidence.
Growing up, she faced significant challenges, being raised by her grandmother without a support system to help with schoolwork. This experience sparked a deep desire in her to become a supportive figure in someone else’s life.
Her time at YearBeyond has been profoundly transformative. She has developed essential skills such as communication and emotional intelligence, enabling her to connect with others and make a positive impact. A particularly meaningful moment was realising she could be a role model for young learners and truly make a difference in their lives.
“YearBeyond has given me the courage to believe in myself and my abilities,” she reflects. This newfound confidence has empowered her to pursue challenges and passions with renewed purpose.
Beyond her work, Asanda is passionate about soccer and dedicated to her team, cherishing the camaraderie and shared enthusiasm of the community.
Written by Mpho Ndumiso
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Bongani Ngabaza was born and raised in Gugulethu. Growing up in a modest household with his mother and siblings, he felt a deep sense of community. Everyone knew each other, and his parents had friends who also felt like family to him, this strong sense of connection instilled in him a desire to make a difference.
When he joined the YearBeyond programme, he was excited because he felt like he was on a path that would challenge him differently. “I looked forward to that, especially because I enjoy working in the school environment.”
The programme’s focus on teamwork, however, made him nervous. As someone who was confident in working alone, he knew he needed to adapt.
With an open mind, he entered the programme, embracing the ideas and perspectives of his peers. As they worked together, Bongani discovered the value of collaboration and patience. He began to see that his own strength could be amplified by the diverse talents of his team. As he progressed through the programme, he gained confidence in expressing his ambitions and goals.
Bongani’s journey on YeBo is motivated by a desire to grow and challenge himself. He has always been drawn to facilitation, and the Academy is offering him a chance to develop his skills and make a meaningful impact. It is also proving to be a transformative experience. He is discovering the power of affirmation and support from his peers, and this continues to encourage him to believe in himself. As Bongani looks to the future, he knows he wants to pay it forward by becoming a YearBeyond Mentor and sharing the Academy’s impact with his community.
When asked to describe himself, Bongani shares, “I am humble, unconventional and brilliant.” Few people know about his creative side—one that doesn’t always fit the traditional mold. He is proud of his unique perspective and is eager to make a difference in the community where he grew up and in the world.
Written by Amanda Adonis
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Brandon Sas is a young man originally from Swellendam. He spent part of his childhood living on a farm, an experience he describes as peaceful. He later moved back to Swellendam, where he completed his matric in 2018 at Swellendam Secondary School.
Brandon has always enjoyed spending time with his family. Although he wasn’t very talkative growing up, “I am a bit introverted,” he says. He became aware of the challenges his family and community were facing, which inspired him to become a changemaker. He hoped to break generational curses, not only within his own family but also in the lives of young people in his community.
After high school, Brandon enrolled at Nelson Mandela University to study a BA in English (Literature and Language). He graduated in 2023 and began his postgraduate studies, but unfortunately had to drop out due to unforeseen circumstances. This setback led to disappointment and a period of depression.
Despite the challenges, Brandon remained persistent. He committed to improving himself by reading more, exercising, and focusing on his mental well-being. He joined the Change Maker’s Programme, implemented by Community Action Partner (CAP), which later connected him to YearBeyond. In 2024, he became a YeBoneer through the Catch-Up Programme, where he helped Grade 3 and 4 learners with Numeracy and Literacy.
At the start, Brandon struggled with nervousness when speaking in front of others. However, during his time as a YeBoneer, he was able to support a fellow volunteer who lacked self-confidence and witnessed their growth. That moment stood out as a highlight for him.
Some of Brandon’s most rewarding experiences came from seeing real improvements in the children’s marks. Knowing that he made a difference brought him happiness and a sense of purpose.
Through YearBeyond, Brandon enhanced his emotional intelligence and communication skills. He also developed healthier habits to care for his overall well-being. “Since I started the YeBo journey, I feel like a new person,” he says.
His dedication, enthusiasm, optimism, and kindness earned him a spot in the YeBo Academy class of 2025. With the strengths and skills he’s gained, Brandon Sas is well on his way to becoming the inspiring mentor he hopes to be.
Written by Samkelisiwe Nkuzo
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Chante Human, a 24-year-old from Bonnievale, is a passionate netball player with a big heart and even bigger dreams. She’s not just about scoring goals on the court, she wants to inspire and uplift her community, especially the younger generation, by being a role model they can look up to.
Stepping into her role as a YeBoneer, Chante was ready to channel her energy and love for netball into creating change, proving that one person’s passion can spark a ripple effect of hope and progress in Bonnievale, her community.
After joining the programme, her proudest moment was seeing students win 1st to 3rd prizes in their grade. “My heart melted when I saw all of them on stage receiving their awards,” she said. As she grew to understand the programme and its impact on youth and students, she knew she wanted to become a mentor.
After the Academy, her goal is to become a mentor while pursuing her dreams in community development and earning her degree to build a stronger future.
Written by Simamkele Cube
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Meet Emihle Dondashe, a determined and passionate individual from Love to Give in Stellenbosch. Raised by a single parent, Emihle’s upbringing was marked by challenges and uncertainties. Growing up, she struggled with shyness and low self-confidence, often doubting her abilities. The fear of stepping out of her comfort zone held her back and limited her aspirations.
Everything changed when Emihle met her mentor, whose facilitation style and passion for empowering others deeply inspired her. She began to see a future where she could break free from her limitations and make a meaningful impact. The Future Fit sessions were a turning point, helping her develop self-awareness, recognize her strengths, and transform her weaknesses into assets.
Challenging herself, Emihle’s involvement in the WCED @HomeLearning stream gave her a chance to engage with her community. This made her realize how much her community needed help and how many opportunities existed for growth, igniting a deep sense of responsibility. Her desire to inspire others led her to join the academy with one goal: to motivate township youth to believe in themselves and become the authors of their own stories.
Through her journey, Emihle is discovering her identity and purpose. She hopes to pay it forward by using her experience to positively impact others—just as the programme has done for her. Emihle remains committed to her vision of empowering others and building a brighter future.
Written by Lundi Buti
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On 5 November 1999, a little girl named Fatima Sizani was born in the vibrant community of Langa. Raised by her single mother alongside two siblings, Fatima’s journey was shaped by family responsibility from an early age.
After finishing school, she enrolled in college to study Early Childhood Development (ECD). However, the need to support her family led her to seek work, a path that eventually brought her to YearBeyond.
When she first joined the programme, Fatima admits she was confused and uncertain. But over time, she started to enjoy it. YearBeyond completely shifted her perspective. She discovered a space that was fulfilling, healthy, and — most importantly — a place where she could just be herself.
The Future Fit sessions had a major impact on her professional growth. Fatima learned how to face challenges and became more aware of her emotional intelligence, gaining tools to better manage her emotions.
She realised that growing up the way she did, no one had ever explained these values to her in the way the programme did. This realisation sparked something in her, a desire to become a mentor and positively influence more young people, especially in black communities.
Fatima sees this opportunity as a turning point in her growth, a step closer to becoming the person she aspires to be. She is deeply grateful for her journey at the Academy and hopes to inspire other young black children who may also be haunted by negative thoughts. Her message to them: Your circumstances do not define you.
Witten by Larony Carolus
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Fazlen Van Harte is from the Foundation for Community Work (FCW) in Atlantis, Cape Town. Having lost her father at the tender age of 20 months, Fazlen grew up in a single-parent household where her mother “played both roles,” caring for her and her two siblings. From an early age, she understood the sacrifices her mother made and knew she had to do everything in her power to help where she could. She says, “To have a single parent at home, for me personally, it feels like it is my duty to give back, because my mother was always there.”
When asked about her most impactful experience at YearBeyond, Fazlen highlights the numerous opportunities the organisation offers, citing both personal and professional growth. “YearBeyond’s culture and diversity create opportunities that make it easy to socialise and connect with people,” she says.
Outside of YearBeyond, Fazlen’s face lights up as she shares her favorite pastime, taking long walks along the beach, savoring the sea breeze, indulging in amazing ice cream, watching birds soar overhead, and reading a book. This tranquil routine helps her unwind, shedding stress and recharging her energy.
Despite moments when she felt like giving up as the sole breadwinner at home, Fazlen persevered. When asked what motivated her to keep going, she credits her mentor: “My mentor has been a rock for me. She’s always there, and her calming demeanor is a constant source of comfort, even when she’s facing her own personal struggles.”
Upon completing the YearBeyond programme, Fazlen’s life took on a clearer direction. “YearBeyond gave my life direction, and I followed that path.” She went from not knowing what she wanted to do with her life to becoming a pioneer for community engagement, social change, and youth empowerment.
Fazlen’s story is a beacon of hope for those facing numerous challenges and feeling their lives have lost meaning.
“Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, ‘I’m possible.’”
Written by Taryn Klassen
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In a world where ordinary is the norm, Gcobisa Msuthu dared to be extraordinary. Originally from Mount Frere, now known as KwaBhaca in the Eastern Cape, she currently resides in George where her implementing partner is SAHARA. She is the third of four siblings.
Gcobisa completed her lower grades at Tsibiyane J.S.S before attending Etolweni Senior Secondary School. Later, she transferred to St Georges High School, which was quite far from where she lived, but she managed to matriculate successfully.
In 2019, Gcobisa took a gap year, explaining that she was exhausted and needed time to fund herself. In 2020, she began her studies at Nelson Mandela University, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications.
Since joining YearBeyond, Ms Msuthu says she has developed self-awareness through the programme’s Future Fit Programme. “Through it, I developed various competencies that helped me understand what I’m good at and where I still need to grow,” she reflects.
“If I had to name a moment that was most impactful, it would be the conference. As someone with social anxiety, the conference changed how I view large groups and social interactions,” she shares.
Though naturally quiet, Gcobisa says people often assume she is conservative, but she isn’t. Now a student at the YeBo Academy, she is excited about the future and eager to become an inspiring mentor to future YeBoneers.
Written by Nangamso Manansa
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La-Niel Rooi was born and bred in Paarl. She is the oldest of three daughters and has one older brother. When she joined YearBeyond, she felt confused and afraid of taking risks. She was unsure of herself.
As time has gone on, with everything she’s learned through YearBeyond, she has tried to apply as much as she can to her personal life. She has always been the talkative one, and as a result, everyone around her has gotten to know her inside and out.
“Being an active listener was quite a challenge for me,” she says, “but every day I do my utmost best to just listen without interrupting.” La-Niel has been working on this challenge, and she can already see the improvement. She hasn’t just gained confidence in herself—she can now deliver content clearly, and her public speaking skills have improved. She enjoys every moment of the journey and is also planning to improve how she engages with others in social settings.
She felt both honoured and surprised when her mentor encouraged her to apply to the YeBo Academy. “Niella, I need you by my side next year,” were her mentor’s exact words. Her mentor’s belief in her helped La-Niel believe in herself more. She dreams of being, even just half as impactful a mentor to someone else as her mentor has been to her. “Each and every one of us needs someone to feed off, and to see someone grow because of your support—that’s powerful.”
La-Niel has built meaningful relationships with the YeBoneers she’s worked with. They’re still in touch and have grown so close that they consider themselves family. She hopes to create a safe space for anyone who needs her support. She promises to be a good mentor, to celebrate life, and to show up as the best version of herself every day.
Written by Anita Sweleni
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Larony Carolus’s journey at YearBeyond has been a fulfilling one. Although she joined the programme later than others, she quickly caught up and became an essential member of the team, bringing her own superpowers and enthusiasm. She had to pace herself and adapt to the environment quickly.
Professionally and personally, the programme had a big role in contributing to her confidence, now she is fully able to get into a room and own her space without stumbling on her words or doubting herself.
Since she joined the programme, she has found her safe space and gained some skills that groomed her to socialise and communicate with people. As she had been longing to find her sense of belonging, she finally found one in YearBeyond.
Like any other YeBoneer, she came across challenges, which were learning how to use Teampact and TalentLMS, she quickly found the only way to overcome those challenges was to take guidance from her mentor and go with the flow.
She still cherishes the day she received the acceptance email from YearBeyond, it has been the most transformative moment for her.
Written by Fatima Sizani
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Liam Delport, from the Implementing Partner (IP) Solution Base in Genadendal, started his YearBeyond journey in 2023. Like many young people, he wasn’t sure what he was getting into, he was simply searching for an opportunity to move forward in life. Over time, Liam discovered a deep passion for creating change in his community, especially through working with children, which he considers a true privilege.
YearBeyond played a pivotal role in shaping Liam’s future. It equipped him with work experience and key skills like emotional intelligence, conflict management, and problem-solving, tools he’ll carry into the years ahead.
Despite challenging circumstances at home, where he was the sole breadwinner at a young age, Liam never let that hold him back. He remained focused on his mission, believing that one's circumstances do not define one’s future. He rose above and proved exactly that, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
During his time as a YeBoneer, Liam was honoured with a gold star award for outstanding performance, not once, but twice. He worked hard, stayed consistent, and embraced every challenge as a chance to grow.
In 2024, Liam took on a new role as a data administrator for YearBeyond. Stepping into a professional space, he felt fully prepared to deliver quality work. Now, three years later, he continues his journey as a YeBo Academy student, training to become a mentor and inspire others to be changemakers in their communities. His dream is to help young people unlock their full potential, just as he did.
Liam has built strong, lasting relationships through emotional intelligence and respect for others. He believes these bonds will last a lifetime. A big part of his motivation came from his mentor, who was always there to support him. Just knowing he had a strong support system kept him going through tough times.
One piece of advice from his mentor that stuck with him: “The biggest injustice you can do to yourself is to believe you know everything.” This has kept Liam open to learning and growing every day. He knows now that leadership is not about knowing it all, but about staying curious and humble.
Outside of YearBeyond, Liam finds peace in nature, enjoys scenic views paired with calming music, and often sings. He’s also deeply involved in his church and is committed to guiding young people to stay connected to their faith. For Liam, living with purpose means serving others while staying true to who you are.
Written by Megan Marcus
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Lundi Buti is from Scouts SA in Khayelitsha. He was raised by a single mother and his older siblings. One of his biggest fears growing up was seeing the high unemployment rate in the townships and wondering if he’d ever succeed, but he always believed he could do it, and to his surprise he’s doing well for himself. Lundi enjoys grooving to the latest beats and cheering for his favorite teams. Three words that describe him: active-listener, purpose-driven, comedian.
Stepping into the YeBoneer role made him eager to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact in his community. As a Scout, he experienced firsthand the impact he could make by volunteering and doing activations that brought real change. This became one of the most profound experiences. During the programme, he went on a journey of self-discovery, skill-building, and leadership development. It helped him become more confident, resilient, and aware of his purpose, equipped to drive positive change in his community and beyond.
He also developed a passion for youth development and facilitation while discovering talents for creative problem-solving and public speaking. Despite facing challenges like adapting to a demanding environment and working with vulnerable children, he learned to overcome these by seeking support from mentors and peers and adopting a growth mindset.
His inspiration is mentor Sicelo Mangxola, who sees the best in people and made a positive impact in his life. Lundi’s proudest moment was being named a Rising Star and receiving a Gold Star at graduation. The guidance, encouragement, and feedback from mentors, peers, and facilitators shaped his journey and helped unlock his full potential.
YearBeyond shifted his perspective on the future. It empowered him to envision a purpose-driven life and gave him the tools to turn that vision into reality. Still on a journey of self-discovery, Lundi hopes to one day become a mentor and play a pivotal role in helping other young people reach their full potential.
Written by Emihle Dondashe
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Megan Marcus is from the New World Foundation in Lavender Hill, a community known for gang violence, but she proudly says she never let that stop her from making a difference.
Naturally reserved and shy, Megan didn’t always have the courage to speak up. When she joined YearBeyond in 2024, it was simply to provide for her son, she didn’t have clear goals, and her limited support system made things even harder. But as her journey unfolded, Megan began to grow. She found purpose and passion in serving her community and discovered just how capable she was.
YearBeyond gave Megan tools to grow personally and professionally. She developed emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to solve problems effectively. Most importantly, it shifted her perspective, helping her see life beyond Lavender Hill and believe in a better future.
One of her toughest challenges was the gang violence that often forced her and her team to pause their community work. But instead of giving up, they adapted, using technology to contact parents and ensuring police visibility before meeting learners. Through resilience and teamwork, they kept going.
A proud moment for Megan was being accepted into the Yebo Academy class of 2025. She remembers calling her mentor to confirm the news and breaking down in happy tears. It was a major milestone, proof that her hard work and growth were paying off.
Along the way, Megan formed strong friendships and found powerful mentors who motivated her. Her mentor’s belief in her helped her push through moments of doubt. Megan learned that it’s not about how hard you fall, but how you rise, and knowing someone had her back gave her strength.
After the Academy, Megan hopes to continue as a mentor, helping other young people find their way. She wants them to know there’s more to life than what they see around them, and that with the right guidance, they can achieve great things.
Today, Megan is confident, mature, and driven. YearBeyond helped her find her voice, and now she steps into any room with purpose. Outside of the programme, she enjoys quality time with her son, exploring new places, and practicing self-care, recharging herself to meet life’s challenges with a clear mind and full heart.
Written by Liam Delport
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Mpho Ndumiso’s journey is a testimony to the power of growth and self-discovery. She was born and raised in a small village called Lady Frere in the Eastern Cape. She grew up with both parents, three siblings (two brothers and a sister), and her niece. After matric, opportunities were limited, and Mpho found herself carrying many responsibilities. Though naturally shy and introverted—traits that often held her back from seizing opportunities—she remained resilient and never gave up.
She was introduced to YearBeyond, where she found young, self-driven individuals just like her. It became a platform where she could grow, become a better version of her authentic self, and gain valuable leadership skills. She was supported by mentors who helped her discover strengths she didn’t even know she had. She also got the opportunity to become a Data Intern, where she developed her digital literacy skills.
Mpho formed unbreakable bonds with the learners and their parents. “Giving back to my community has always been one of my dreams,” she says.
Her YeBo journey has made her more confident and mature, and she continues to show strong leadership potential. As a mentor-in-training, she is committed to going the extra mile. She feels more comfortable in her role and ready to produce high-quality results in supporting and guiding youth to find their own potential.
When she is not working, Mpho dedicates her time to meaningful interactions with her family, focusing on quality time and strengthening their bonds.
Written by Asanda Mgqalelo
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Nangamso Mananga is from Early Inspirations in Gqeberha. Born and raised in Cape Town, Nangamso completed her early education at Kuyasa Primary School and continued to Siphamandla High School, where she matriculated. She holds a National Diploma in Public Management from Nelson Mandela University.
Among the many opportunities that the YearBeyond programme has provided her with, independence is the one she was seeking when she started as a YeBoneer.
The Future Fit sessions have had a huge impact on the positive shift in her mindset. “I am now a totally different person from who I was before. I came out of the shell I was always in. I started seeing myself in a positive way and developed a lot of skills,” says an enthusiastic Mananga.
One of her key growth moments in the YearBeyond programme, through Future Fit, has been learning to be money-wise. The competencies have also challenged her to move beyond just doing what is asked, and instead, take initiative.
She is excited for what this next chapter with the YeBo Academy holds and is ready to continue growing, learning, and showing up as her best self.
Written by Gcobisa Msuthu
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Born and raised in the rural town of Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal, Palesa Mbewu proudly recalls being the first child from her village to attend school in town. After matric, she went on to study Music at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, majoring in Sound Engineering. “That’s where I truly fell in love with music,” she shares.
When Palesa joined YearBeyond, she admits she felt uncertain and a little lost. But one moment from Orientation week changed everything: the energizers. “That stole my heart. I felt safe and comfortable around my peers and mentor,” she reflects.
One of the challenges she faced was navigating conflict within her team. “It was difficult finding myself caught in the middle and being expected to pick sides,” she says. Rather than get drawn in, she chose to become a peacemaker, focusing on bringing people together and finding constructive solutions.
A defining moment for Palesa came during the YeBo Conference and Career Expo. Having just completed her degree, she wasn’t sure what her next step should be, but the exposure to different career paths sparked clarity. “That’s when I realised what I’m passionate about and where I want to go.”
The programme helped her grow both personally and professionally. “I’ve become more self-aware. I now understand my capabilities, and I’ve grown emotionally. I even manage my time better, I used to struggle with that a lot,” she admits with a smile.
What motivated her to apply for the YeBo Academy was the inspiration she drew from her mentor. “She was supportive, always there to talk, and guided us when we needed it most. Her kindness and influence really lit something in me.”
Looking ahead, Palesa is committed to continuing her journey with YearBeyond. “I want to be a mentor for two solid years,” she says confidently, “and one day, I hope to work in the YearBeyond office itself.”
With her determination, empathy, and strong sense of purpose, Palesa is ready to lead, and to help others shine just as she has.
Written by Abongile Siyongwana
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Roderick Laban, who prefers to be called Rush, is from Prince Alfred Hamlet, a small town 10 km outside Ceres. YearBeyond was introduced to him by chance while he was working as a teacher’s assistant at St. Marks Primary School. The principal asked if he was interested, and Rush agreed without hesitation. The programme offered valuable real-world skills, and he never regretted taking the opportunity. One of the most impactful moments was attending the YeBo conference where he saw how YearBeyond connects youth to real opportunities.
In 2022, as part of the first Catch-Up cluster of YeBoneers from the Waitrose Foundation in Ceres, Rush and his team faced early challenges with teachers and staff who were unclear about their roles. Tension grew, but Rush took the initiative to call a team meeting, where they identified the issue and arranged a discussion with school staff. Together, they resolved the misunderstandings. Today, the 2022 cluster maintains a strong relationship with St. Marks. Rush credits the Problem-Solving Model and teamwork for this success and feels proud of their collaboration.
Though his earlier studies didn’t work out, Rush didn’t give up. He reached out to his programme mentor, Eleanor Louw, whom he calls one of the best mentors he’s had and, with help from her and fellow YeBoneer Calvin Sass, he successfully applied to the YeBo Academy. Their support played a key role in helping him continue his journey.
Rush believes he still has much to achieve both within and beyond YearBeyond. He currently does freelance work at Oppikoppi Creche, supporting their computer and tablet programme, which introduces digital learning to young children. He also dreams of helping adults in his community. A passionate advocate for balance, he enjoys jogging and hiking as part of his daily routine. Rush has served as a youth leader in his church for seven years and led the youth choir for four. Deeply spiritual but open to others’ beliefs, he is often described as “very alert”, though he admits he’s just a big marshmallow who loves making people laugh.
Written by Hanelien Mentoor
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Samkelisiwe Nkuzo, also known as Samke, is from Olico Maths Club in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Born in Johannesburg, she always had a love for helping people. Initially, she did not see herself working in a school environment. However, her kindness and passion for helping others naturally aligned with the work, and everything started to make sense. “I never thought I’d find myself in a school, but looking back, I realise this is exactly where I was meant to be.”
Through YearBeyond, she formed meaningful and positive connections with colleagues and friends. Over the course of the year, she experienced personal and professional growth. Change fosters growth, and for Samke, this meant improving her communication skills and emotional intelligence. These developments helped her become more social and an active listener, both crucial skills in a field where effective communication is essential. Her story is inspiring because she learned to adjust, actively listen, and communicate effectively, even though these were not her strongest traits when she first joined YearBeyond.
As a YeBoneer, Samke made a significant impact on her learners. She embodied qualities many aspire to: professionalism, organisation, kindness, attentiveness, and strong emotional intelligence. “Creating a safe space for my learners wasn’t just about teaching, it was about showing them they are heard, valued, and capable.” Her learners trusted her because she fostered an environment where they felt secure and encouraged to learn.
To become an inspiration, one must first be inspired. Samke credits her mentor, Damian, for motivating her with his resilience, organisation, and strong work ethic. Another source of inspiration was Angelique, a former Academy student, who supported Samke with constructive feedback. Angelique’s ability to listen deeply taught Samke the importance of this skill. Learning from those around her helped guide her journey, especially when she faced challenges. Conflict within teams was an area where she needed growth, but she applied her skills in effective communication and active listening to navigate these difficulties. “I learned that resolving conflicts isn’t about winning, it’s about understanding and finding solutions together.”
By the end of the year, Samke was proud to be recognised as a Golden Star. This achievement boosted her confidence and propelled her into the Academy, where she continues her journey with a strong determination to create positive change.
Written by Brandon Sas
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Community-driven, funny, and curious are the three words Simamkele Cube from Khayelitsha uses to describe himself. Sima, as everyone knows him, was born in Cape Town but moved to the Eastern Cape to live with his grandmother before returning to Cape Town nine years later. He attended school in Khayelitsha, where he completed his matric. Reflecting on those years, Sima said, “I was a very naughty boy at school, always making jokes. On Tuesdays, I would just stay home because I knew my mother left for work before me and came back after school was out.”
Before joining YearBeyond, Sima felt truly lost. Once he found his rhythm, it became an adventure that pushed him beyond his comfort zone and helped him start making a difference in his community. He grew in communication, time management, and self-awareness. “It’s such an exhilarating feeling to build all these incredible skills through one life-changing programme,” he shared.
Working with youth gave Sima a sense of purpose. Still, he faced challenges, especially navigating difficult behaviours among beneficiaries. But that didn’t stop him. With courage, he applied for the YeBo Academy to become a mentor, determined to be the change he wants to see.
Sima credits his growth to his mentor, Mr. Mangxols for his growth and overall experience on the programme, “he just gets it. He’s been through the programme and knows how to keep going when it’s tough,” said Sima. He recalled a time he was doubting himself, and his mentor reminded him: “It’s not about being perfect, but about showing up for your community.”
After the academy, Sima hopes to start a project that will inspire young people in Khayelitsha to dream bigger. While he is deeply committed to his community, he’s also a family man who values time with his loved ones,
Written by Chante Human