By Caswell Komako, SAAYC Programmes Manager
In a country that celebrated thirty years of democracy in 2024, it should be safe to assume that universal franchise equates to freedom for all. But for many young South Africans, especially those grappling with poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity, freedom remains a distant dream. At SAAYC, we believe that true freedom must extend beyond the ballot box—into the lived realities of opportunity, dignity, and self-sufficiency.
Freedom is meaningless when young people go to bed hungry. Its promise is unfulfilled when the majority are locked out of economic participation, or when land, water, and resources remain inaccessible to those who nevertheless have the will and vision to build a better future.
SAAYC’s work aims to give meaning to freedom and therefore is grounded in civic empowerment and addressing the socio-economic issues that continue to hold youth back, especially food insecurity.
The right to Food is a human right: SAAYC’s Food Security Programme
One of the most impactful initiatives at SAAYC is our Food Security Programme, which truly transforms the lives of young South Africans between the ages of 18-34. This programme goes beyond simply putting food on the table— it teaches young people how to grow their food and turn that skill into a source of income.
The root issues we’re tackling:
- Lack of access to land, water, and agricultural resources
- High unemployment rates among youth
- Poor nutrition and limited food education
- Market barriers that prevent youth from selling what they produce
Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger; it’s a systemic barrier to youth development. That’s why we equip young people with the knowledge, tools, and support they need not just to survive—but to thrive and help their communities do the same.
How we cultivate change
Through a multi-faceted, hands-on approach, the programme is structured around three core pillars:
- Agricultural skills training
We introduce young people to innovative farming methods such as hydroponics and organic soil farming—techniques that require minimal land and resources. They learn how to:
- Set up and maintain urban farming projects
- Manage nutrients and water efficiently
- Grow food in even the most resource-scarce environments
All training comes with equipment, manuals, mobile power units, and mentorship.
- Entrepreneurship development
Freedom also means economic independence. We help youth turn their skills into sustainable businesses through:
- My coop training: Teaching them how to build and manage agricultural cooperatives
- Social Entrepreneurship Workshops: Offering training on business planning, marketing, finance, and scaling their agri-enterprises
- Ongoing mentorship
We don’t believe in dropping knowledge and walking away. Each project is supported with monthly mentorship visits, ensuring that young people continue to grow and succeed.
“Human rights are not just theoretical concepts,” says Mr. Jeff Mkhwanazi, SAAYC Executive Director. “They are the foundation upon which young people build their futures. At SAAYC, we ensure youth are equipped with the tools and confidence to claim what is rightfully theirs.”
Freedom with impact: Youth as agents of change
Our young participants are more than just farming learners—they are becoming leaders. They are building cooperatives, training their peers, and even supplying fresh produce to their local communities. With a reliable source of food, they are rebuilding the very structures that once failed them.
This kind of empowerment is a direct challenge to the belief that change must come from above. SAAYC believes that real change starts at grassroots level, with young people cultivating it, living it, and sharing it.
Beyond the vote, towards real freedom
Democracy doesn’t end at the voting booth—it thrives in the fields where young people plant seeds of self-sufficiency, in the cooperatives where decisions are made together, and in every young person who realises they’re not just passive recipients of change—they’re the creators of it.
At SAAYC, we advocate for complete freedom—one that includes access to food, education, opportunity, and dignity.
Let us continue to ensure that our young people don’t just vote for the future—they help grow it.
“When young people know their rights, they are empowered to know better. At SAAYC, we stand as a beacon of hope, ensuring that every young person has access to the tools and opportunities that enable them to build a prosperous future.” – Mr. Komako
#FreedomBeyondTheVote | #YouthEmpowerment | #SAAYCFoodSecurity
For more on SAAYC’s programmes, visit www.saayc.co.za
