A youth-driven movement is steadily shaping a new generation of confident, purpose-driven leaders in Soshanguve.

At the centre of this initiative is Sifisokuhle Mkhwanazi, founder of AfterSkoolIsLit, an organisation dedicated to empowering young people through personal development, mentorship, and leadership education.

Describing himself as a creative individual with a passion for music and helping others, Mkhwanazi’s journey into youth development was deeply influenced by his mentor, Dr Lesego Mawela.

“I was inspired by Dr Mawela after [attending] his leadership and personal development academy, where we were taught about self-improvement and how to change our lives,” he said.

What started as a learning experience soon evolved into a calling to give back, leading to the establishment of AfterSkoolIsLit.

Mkhwanazi’s motivation is rooted in personal experience. As a young person pursuing music, he struggled to access information and opportunities.

“I wanted to be the bridge between education and opportunity,” he explained.

He believes many talented young people are overlooked, particularly during their school years.

“Teachers don’t always pay attention to students who are talented. Youth are often excluded from the economic structure until they make it big.”

Founded in 2016, AfterSkoolIsLit has faced its share of challenges, as a lack of funding and difficulties with formal registration initially slowed progress.

“Government structures require a lot of paperwork, which we didn’t have. Starting something out of passion is not easy when resources are limited,” admitted Mkhwanazi.

He said consistent support from Dr Mawela’s Leadership and Personal Development Academy has helped sustain and grow the organisation, while also strengthening the skills of its volunteers.

Today, AfterSkoolIsLit focuses on helping young people discover their hidden potential and overcome obstacles.

Central to its work is the ‘First Grow Then Lead’ programme, which emphasises self-awareness, self-investment, and self-belief.

He highlighted the importance of personal growth in building strong leaders.

“When you understand who you are, you develop integrity and self-worth. It helps you make better decisions about your career, relationships, and environment,” he explained.

Through mentorship and collaboration, participants are encouraged to build confidence and recognise their purpose.

He said what sets the programme apart is its mentorship approach.

Young people are paired with individuals who have walked similar paths and are pursuing careers in their fields of interest.

“It shows them they are not alone. Someone else has been where they are, and the difference lies in what you do with the time you’ve been given,” he said.

Soshanguve remains at the core of the organisation’s mission and for Mkhwanazi, starting in the community is intentional.

The impact of the initiative is already visible as some participants have transitioned from being beneficiaries to becoming active volunteers, helping to run and shape the organisation.

“They are now able to choose better environments and contribute positively to society,” he said.

Beyond personal development, AfterSkoolIsLit also addresses broader socio-economic challenges.

The organisation runs entrepreneurship programmes in partnership with institutions such as ENSafrica and Access Bank, equipping young people with the knowledge to start and grow their own businesses.

“We are teaching youth not just to look for jobs, but to create opportunities,” Mkhwanazi added.

Mkhwanazi envisions a future where young Africans lead with integrity and discipline.

He hopes to grow the organisation to include at least 100 successful volunteers who can mentor others and drive change in their communities.

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