By Claudia Sibiya, HR Manager – SAAYC

As South Africa celebrates 31 years of democracy, a critical question continues to guide our mission at the Southern African Association of Youth Clubs (SAAYC):

How do we build youth organisations that truly empower young people to lead change?

At SAAYC, we believe the answer lies in strengthening youth leadership through intentional skills development, capacity building, and sustainable mentorship.

Why Strong Youth Organisations Matter

Youth organisations are the heartbeat of community transformation. They are uniquely positioned to shape future communities, influence policies, and nurture the leaders of tomorrow—particularly in a rapidly changing world marked by digital disruption, social transformation, and economic uncertainty.

Yet, despite their potential, many young leaders find themselves at the helm of organisations without adequate training in critical areas such as governance, compliance, and financial management. This gap threatens not only the sustainability of their organisations but also the broader impact they can make.

To address this challenge, SAAYC launched the Running an Effective Youth Organisation programme—a flagship initiative designed to equip young executives and managers with the practical tools to lead impactful, accountable, and future-ready organisations.

The Programme: Designed for Relevance and Sustainability

Born out of a national needs assessment, the programme was crafted to address the real-world challenges youth organisations face. Provincial coordinators and centre managers conducted baseline studies that informed a responsive and targeted training curriculum.

Delivered from 21–26 July 2024, the programme brought together 109 young leaders from all nine provinces, each representing their local youth club. It was more than a training—it was a national movement toward professionalised, resilient youth organisations.

A Curriculum for Transformational Leadership

The programme covered a robust set of competencies essential for effective NGO leadership, including:

• Organisational branding and visibility
• Financial management and fundraising strategies
• Stakeholder and project management
• Effective communication and situational leadership
• Monitoring, evaluation, and succession planning

Expert facilitators—Mr. Teboho Kwenda, Ms. Nomfundo Thusini, and Mr. Jabu Mahlangu—shared not only technical knowledge but also lived experiences in NGO leadership, offering deep insight into the realities of youth development work in South Africa.

Training for Transformation

At its core, the programme is about transformation—of individuals, of organisations, and ultimately, of communities. As society evolves, so must the way we lead and serve. When we equip a young leader, we strengthen an entire organisation, which in turn empowers the youth it supports.

The training aligns with key frameworks such as the Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS) and the South African Youth Policy (SAYP), ensuring that SAAYC’s work remains relevant, rooted in community needs, and aligned with national development priorities.

Youth Organisations as Innovation Hubs

Now more than ever, youth-led organisations are leading innovations in education, mental health, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and food security. Embedded in their communities, these organisations are best positioned to identify challenges and drive solutions.

But the strength of these organisations is directly linked to the capability of their leadership. That’s why SAAYC continues to invest in leadership development—not as a once-off intervention but as an ongoing commitment to the future of civil society.

From Training to Community Impact

The Running an Effective Youth Organisation programme is part of SAAYC’s broader leadership development ecosystem, which includes:

• Life Skills Programme – Promoting personal development, financial literacy, and emotional intelligence
• ICTage Programme – Bridging the digital divide through IT and cybersecurity training
• Social Entrepreneurship Programme – Helping young people turn passion into purpose-driven business
• Food Security Programme – Equipping youth to address hunger through sustainable agriculture
• Education Support Programme – Supporting academic achievement and unlocking potential

Together, these programmes form a pipeline of support that prepares young people not only to participate in society—but to lead it.

Investing in Youth Leadership is a National Imperative

At SAAYC, we know that building stronger youth organisations is not optional—it is essential. Trained, ethical, and empowered youth leaders are critical to building a just, inclusive, and thriving South Africa.

As we expand our national footprint, we invite partners, donors, and like-minded organisations to join us on this journey. Let us continue to build a generation of leaders who don’t wait for change—they drive it.

“Youth leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about holding space for transformation, equity, and opportunity. When we equip youth leaders with the right tools, we equip entire communities to thrive.”
— Claudia Sibiya

🔗 Learn more about SAAYC’s youth leadership and development programmes:

📍 Visit: www.saayc.co.za

📲 Follow: #YouthLeadershipMatters | #SAAYCForChange | #StrongerYouthOrganisations