Over one hundred youth from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga participated in the inaugural youth leadership bootcamp in Thulamahashe on the 7th of November 2025.
Hosted by the Civil Society Forum, Cody’s Kitchen and BBR Colour Splash, in partnership with Sonke Gender Justice, the bootcamp equipped young people with leadership and financial skills, as well as practical tools to advance gender equality in their communities. The cohort included youth from Vuhlayiseki disability centre, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, local entrepreneurs, and aspiring young leaders.
Under the theme “Empowering young leaders for an inclusive future,” this year’s programme took last year’s youth conference a step further, expanding it into a full-day bootcamp, in which participants reflected on how men can play an active role in promoting gender equality.
In his welcoming remarks, Chairperson of the Civil Society Forum Ernest Nkanyana, spoke about the challenges of gender inequality and economic exclusion in South Africa and reminded youth of their responsibility to engage actively in community initiatives. Nkanyana encouraged participants to take leadership roles, explore entrepreneurship opportunities, and use available support to start businesses and develop their skills.
One of the Inkanyezi project male ally and founder of Cody’s Kitchen Colby Masinga, said men have a critical role in supporting women, challenging gender norms and supporting young leaders to lead with empathy and fairness. “Young people are the future, and leadership is not about titles or positions. It is about acting, standing for equality, and making sure no one is left behind,” Masinga emphasized.
Sonke’s Senior Trainer Rhandzekile Mathebula facilitated a leadership and gender justice masterclass, in collaboration with the Commission for Gender Equality, with youth reflecting on what it means to be a leader, how to take up space and debates on leadership for equality.
‘Participants shared ideas on promoting awareness campaigns, implementing policies and ensuring fairness and respect in communities, but we noted that while most of them presented innovative ideas, some overlooked issues of GBV and economic inclusion, which shows that there’s a need for ongoing engagement and research to strengthen youth leadership’’.
The National Youth Development Agency led a business and pitching session, in which the youth was encouraged to explore NYDA programs’ offerings, which include grants for registered businesses, vouchers to support small enterprises, mentorship and market linkage opportunities. Youth were also guided through a business pitching session, learning how to communicate product feasibility, management structure, market positioning and resource requirements.
Engagements during the bootcamp demonstrated that rural youth often lack access to information and opportunities, particularly in leadership and economic empowerment. Participants were encouraged to take responsibility for their futures and engage actively in initiatives that promote equality in their communities.
