Learners gathered at Hyde Park on August 14 for a day of inspiration, motivation and guidance as they began their journey in the 2026 Future Leaders Challenge.

The learners attended a movie screening as part of the programme, which aims to develop young people into leaders who can identify challenges in their communities and work towards practical solutions.

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Among the learners was Lindiwe Makofane, who said she joined the programme because she wants to improve her school community and introduce more sporting opportunities at her school.

Her teammate, Sean Shumba, said he also joined because he wanted to help improve his school.

“We don’t have the right sporting facilities in our community and school for learners to use during or after school,” he said.

The learners were also introduced to some of the top-performing teams from the 2025 Future Leaders Challenge, allowing this year’s participants to hear directly from young people who had already completed the programme.

Primestars chief executive officer Nkosinathi Moshoana encouraged the learners to take ownership of the opportunities presented to them through the programme.

He told the learners that the programme could provide access to opportunities including mentorship, education and resources, but encouraged them to take responsibility for their own leadership journeys.

“Today is the first step into your future and stepping into your leadership journey,” Moshoana said.

He encouraged the learners to pay attention to the film and speakers and to respect themselves and one another.

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“You have to take on your leadership journey as some of Africa’s future servant leaders.”

Moshoana also highlighted the role of programme partners, including AECI, in making the initiative possible through resources such as educational content, books, cinemas, facilitators and other support.

He said the programme had already reached thousands of young people across South Africa and had surpassed its overall target of 12 000 young people since its inception.

The event also allowed previous participants to share their experiences with the new group of learners.

The 2025 participants were among the top 10 teams that travelled to Johannesburg, where they took part in an intensive leadership experience that included visits to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Sanctuary, as well as leadership lessons.

The previous participants returned to encourage the new learners and show them what is possible when they commit themselves to the programme.

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