Young people from Soshanguve are proving that meaningful youth development goes beyond entertainment and social activities.
Through AfterSkoolIsLit, a youth-led development programme, they are championing a new model of empowerment that places leadership, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance at the centre of personal growth.
Founded by Sifisokuhle Mkhwanazi, AfterSkoolIsLit is driven by the belief that young people should not wait for opportunities to be created for them but should instead become architects of their own futures.
The organisation encourages young people to identify challenges within their communities, develop practical solutions, and create opportunities that benefit both themselves and others.
Mkhwanazi said the programme is designed to cultivate independent thinkers who understand that lasting success requires more than talent.
“We want young people to realise that they already possess the ability to transform their lives. Our responsibility is to help them develop leadership skills, financial discipline, and confidence so they can create opportunities rather than wait for them.
“Empowerment begins when young people believe they are capable of changing their own circumstances,” he said.
The organisation’s philosophy is built around three simple but powerful principles: thinking, believing and achieving.
According to Mkhwanazi, every successful entrepreneur, leader or innovator begins with an idea, builds confidence in that vision, and then takes deliberate action to achieve it.
This approach has inspired many young people from Soshanguve to become actively involved in projects that develop their communication skills, teamwork, creativity and leadership abilities.
Rather than relying solely on external funding, AfterSkoolIsLit encourages participants to explore innovative ways of generating income through their own talents and initiatives.
The organisation believes that one of the biggest barriers facing young people is limited financial literacy.
While many learners leave school with academic knowledge, few receive practical education in budgeting, saving, investing or project management.
To address this challenge, AfterSkoolIsLit is advocating for the introduction of structured learner savings groups, commonly referred to as high school stokvels.
Such initiatives would teach learners how to save collectively, manage finances responsibly and fund projects that improve their schools and communities.
Mkhwanazi believes these practical lessons would prepare learners for adulthood while reducing dependency on external support.
He has also called on the Department of Basic Education, School Governing Bodies, parents, and the private sector to work alongside youth-led organisations by creating environments where young people are trusted to lead and innovate.
Rather than viewing young people solely as future leaders, AfterSkoolIsLit believes they should be recognised as leaders today, capable of making meaningful contributions to society when given the right guidance and opportunities.
The organisation said private companies also have an important role to play by investing in youth-led programmes that promote entrepreneurship, leadership development and financial sustainability.
Such partnerships, it argues, create shared value by equipping young people with practical skills while contributing to strengthening and resilient communities.
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