LIMPOPO – At just 17 years old, Kuvangama Mathebula, from Jim Nghalalume outside Giyani, is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. Driven by a passion to uplift his community, he founded a non-profit organisation called Youth Achievement in 2023.

Through the organisation, Mathebula and his team donate groceries and clothing to struggling families, as well as sanitary pads, toiletries, and school uniforms to learners in need. Recently, they extended their outreach to an old age home in Giyani Section E, where they not only donated food but also spent time reading stories and exercising with the elderly to offer companionship.

In September, Youth Achievement will visit Siyandhani Primary School, where they plan to provide more school uniforms and stationery to learners.

Mathebula, currently a Gr 11 learner at Famandha Secondary School in Siyandhani, says he was inspired to start the organisation after witnessing classmates without proper school uniforms and children going hungry. “I wanted to find a way to help,” he told the Herald.

Looking ahead, he hopes to study business management after matric while continuing to grow his organisation. His ultimate dream is to become a CEO and expand his impact.

Mathebula is calling on community members to support his cause with donations, whether monetary contributions, sanitary pads, groceries, or good quality used clothing.

For more information or sponsorships, contact Kuvangama Mathebula at 060 476 1430 or follow Youth Achievement on Facebook and TikTok.