Youth camp fuels dreams for eShowe youngster’s future

For one young resident of eMngazini reserve outside eShowe, the KZN Department of Social Development’s Youth Empowerment Camp is more than just an outing.

For Nqobani Xulu (22), the camp offered a spark of hope.

Xulu was one of 47 participants who attended the three-day residential camp held from 18 June at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Royal Natal National Park.

The camp forms part of the department’s Youth Month programme and is designed to empower young people with leadership skills, discipline and career guidance.

A graduate of the Mamba One Stop ICT Programme, Xulu recently completed a Microsoft Basic Skills Certificate through the Mamba ICT initiative, a registered NPO operating under uMlalazi Municipality, supported by the Moses Kotane Institute.

“My dream is to be a professional actor, whether on TV or the stage. But I know I also need practical skills to support myself. This camp helped me think bigger,” he said.

Xulu completed his matric in Stanger and returned home to live with his father. He said the struggles of youth unemployment and limited opportunities are real in his community, but events like these are powerful reminders of possibility.

He is being mentored by Siphiwe Zondi, a passionate social worker under the Mamba One Stop Development Centre, attached to the eShowe Service Office.

Zondi said she believes in youth development. “I encourage young people like Xulu to not only dream, but to also conceptualise, plan, and act on their visions.”

Reflecting on Youth Month, Xulu shared how much 16 June means to him, noting, “The youth of 1976 fought for education. We are standing on their shoulders. We must make them proud.”

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY