For a 30-year-old Pretoria North activist, leadership has never been about titles or recognition, but about service, empowerment, and creating opportunities for others to rise.

Boitumelo Thage, who is also an author, psychology graduate, and community organiser, has already built a reputation for using literature, activism, and grassroots community work to inspire change among young people and vulnerable communities.

Although born in the North West Province, Thage said Pretoria North became the place that shaped both her identity and purpose after moving to Theresapark at the age of seven.

“It is the community that raised me, shaped my values, and rooted me in the importance of service and collective responsibility,” she said.

Having attended school and built lifelong relationships in Pretoria North, Thage explained that her leadership journey grew naturally from observing the social challenges affecting communities around her.

Her journey first began through student politics and activism while studying, where she learned the importance of courage, discipline, and using one’s voice to pursue justice and transformation.

“One of the greatest lessons I learned as a student activist is that the first principle of leadership is to be a member of a community before anything else. Leadership requires proximity to the lived realities of people.”

Beyond politics, one of the spaces closest to her heart is children’s literature.

Earlier this year, Thage celebrated her 30th birthday by launching her second children’s book, Travelling Through Time, a publication aimed at helping children understand history, identity, and the importance of shaping the future.

She explained that the book encourages children to ask questions, embrace imagination, and recognise that they are part of a larger story connected to the country’s past and future.

“As South Africans, we come from a painful but resilient history, and I believe children must grow up understanding both where we come from and the responsibility they carry in shaping a better future,” she said.

Her passion for storytelling began with her first children’s book, which focused on educating children about gender-based violence (GBV) and encouraging them to use their voices.

For Thage, literature serves as more than entertainment. She believes books can become powerful tools for healing, education, empowerment, and social awareness.

“Children deserve stories that not only entertain them, but also affirm their right to safety, care, and protection,” she said.

Thage added that representation in literature is especially important for African children, who often struggle to see their realities reflected positively in books and media.

“Children’s literature becomes part of nation building because it helps nurture conscious, compassionate, and informed future citizens,” she explained.

Her commitment to social justice extends far beyond writing.

As the founder of A Second Chance, Thage works directly with vulnerable and homeless youth through programmes focused on dignity restoration, emotional support, mentorship, and empowerment.

The organisation also runs outreach programmes, donation drives, and awareness campaigns aimed at addressing both immediate needs and long-term empowerment within disadvantaged communities.

“We work to remind vulnerable young people that they are still worthy of dignity, care, and opportunity,” she said.

According to Thage, many young people in Pretoria North and surrounding communities continue to face unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, crime, and mental health challenges.

She believes collaborative efforts between government, civil society, and communities are needed to create sustainable opportunities for youth development.

Her activism has also seen her serve as a board member of Not In My Name, where she advocates against GBV and social injustice affecting women and children.

She participated in the UN Women Generation Equality Forum, an experience she said reinforced the importance of youth leadership in shaping conversations around equality and social transformation on a global level.

Despite the many roles she occupies, Thage said her motivation remains rooted in people-centred leadership and community impact.

“What continues to motivate me is the understanding that service has the power to transform lives,” she said.

Thage hopes to leave behind a legacy of compassion, courage, empowerment, and meaningful service to communities.

“I want young people and children to understand that leadership is not defined by titles, but by impact and integrity,” she said.

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