By Louisa Ralepelle

On a yearly basis, Young Community Shapers and ICC Buying Group go hunting for youth leaders with sustainable projects that make transformational impacts in their communities. The aim is to acknowledge the active role young South Africans play to make their local communities a better place.

This year’s candidates were visited by a traveling film crew who witnessed inspirational communities and met incredible leaders. The judges reviewed the footage of projects and identified the top nine (9) to be the regional finalists.

The 9 finalists are given support and assistance to ensure that their projects grow into purposeful and sustainable community initiatives.

This year’s (2017) winner is Katlego Thwane of Atlegang Bana Saturday School. Kat is studying to become a teacher and provides teaching support to 14 children every Saturday to help them with their schooling. Katlego also gives of his time and money to help feed these children who often go without food. He also uses his laptop to teach the community computing skills.

It was an emotional, yet entertaining event. Seeing young people serving their communities without any assistance from organisations or government made it clear that we don’t have to be aided, we can use the little that we have to better ourselves as well as well as the people around us. Somewhere, somehow, someone will recognise your efforts and assist you to make a bigger impact.