Just two years ago, Peterson Sebati was a young man armed with little more than a pair of gloves, rubbish bags and a vision to restore hope in Potchefstroom.

Today, the 22-year-old community activist is setting his sights on an even bigger challenge: becoming South Africa’s youngest mayoral candidate.

Sebati, founder of the community-driven movement Retsa Tsela, has announced plans to establish his own political party, Retsa Tsela Party (RTP), and contest the upcoming local government elections as a candidate for mayor of Potchefstroom.

For many residents, Sebati is already a familiar face. What began as a small clean-up initiative at a neglected park in Promosa grew into a movement that mobilised volunteers, restored public spaces and inspired people from all walks of life to become active participants in rebuilding their town. Now, after years of grassroots community work, Sebati believes the time has come to serve Potchefstroom on a larger scale.

“Something has ignited inside of me,” he said. “After restoring and serving 15 schools, public spaces, old-age homes, and other community projects, I realised that this is the next step. I want to serve my town at a greater capacity and bring hope back to Potchefstroom.”

His journey has been anything but conventional. What started as a response to illegal dumping and neglected public spaces evolved into a community movement that attracted volunteers, businesses and residents determined to make a difference. Along the way, Sebati witnessed the power of ordinary people stepping forward to create change.

“I have seen what can happen when young people avail themselves,” he said. “When people decide to stop waiting for someone else and start taking responsibility for their community, incredible things happen.”

The aspiring mayor says he wants the movement he started on the ground to eventually reach every corner of Potchefstroom. While he acknowledges the challenge ahead, he remains undeterred.

“I know the odds are stacked against me. There are large political parties with established structures and registered voters, but in my eyes, anything is possible,” Sebati said.

The formation of the Retsa Tsela Party marks a significant milestone for the young activist. Before the party can officially be registered, however, Sebati must secure 300 signatures from supporters.

Should he succeed, he will make history as one of the youngest people ever to contest a mayoral position in South Africa, at just 22 years old.

For Sebati, the move into politics is not about power or titles, but about expanding the impact of a mission that began with a simple desire to clean up a park.

His message remains the same as it was when he first rallied volunteers to remove rubbish from the streets of Potchefstroom; hope is not lost. If anything, he believes it is only just beginning.

If you want to sign in order to support Sebati, you can do so here.

Look at the video here: