Young Boksburg North leader turns kindness into a lifelong mission
At only 18, Akhil Piyarlall has already spent six years giving back to vulnerable communities.
Akhil Piyarlall, an 18-year-old matric learner from Boksburg North, believes that being a leader is about more than being there for those in need; it is about having a title.
Akhil has been recognised as one of South Africa’s Top 100 Influential Men and Women in Business and Profession in the youth category, for his six years of community service.
Inspired by tales about his late grandfathers, whom he lovingly refers to as Dhadha and Nana, he started his adventure in Grade 6.
“Hearing stories about my late grandfathers is what has kept me going so far,” he said.
He has been assisting a Benoni children’s home since 2020 after identifying and meeting the needs of underprivileged children.
He has also volunteered with the Santa Shoebox Project for six years running.
Akhil has contributed to making children happy throughout the holiday season by creating and packaging shoeboxes and distributing them with festive dinners.
Giving back is not something he does on his own.
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“My friends and family are the ones who are supporting me financially and emotionally to keep the dream going,” he said.
He has pushed friends, family, and fellow pupils to get involved in community projects.
Collecting dignity packs for women residing in safe homes and shelters is another cause near and dear to his heart.
The bags contain essential personal hygiene items, providing practical support while helping women regain their dignity and self-confidence during challenging circumstances.
His commitment to helping others has also extended to animals this year.
As part of his Mandela Day initiatives, Akhil launched a campaign to collect pet food and other essential supplies for the SPCA.
Although his work is gaining greater recognition, he remains committed to the people and causes at the heart of each project.
“Without my family, this would’ve been difficult to make a success,” he said.
Looking ahead, he hopes to establish his own business after matric, which he believes will help him access funding and expand his community work.
“I plan on registering my own company after school. That way it will be easier to get funds,” he said.
What began as a sixth-grader’s desire to change the world has developed into a quest to encourage others to understand the value of giving back.
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