We believe in
Empowering youth for positive change
At ACTIVATE!, we believe in empowering youth to become catalyst for positive change. Together, let’s activate change and ignite impact. Explore our impactful programmes and stories of transformation.
More than 5000 young people throughout South Africa have participated in ACTIVATE!’s leadership development programmes.
Know more
ACTIVATE! is a multi-sectoral youth development network with a national reach.
Our Mission
We aim to embrace and enhance Activators’ capacity to become champions of public innovation and to deepen and extend their influence within their chosen field of action, within their communities and across society through four pillars:
Expanding Reach
Building Social Solidarity
Deepening Impact
Activating Change
What we do
Our Programmes
Our work is based on the belief that if young people are provided with a provocative platform to meet, connect AND be inspired to actively contribute to the common good, develop their abilities and skillset, THEN they can be innovative and active citizens who can drive positive social, economic and political change for South Africa and the global good.
Network Support
Special Projects
Media Hub
Volunteer
Get involved by offering your time and skills to make a real difference on the ground or virtually.
Make a Donation
Your donation directly supports our campaigns, helping us drive change and empower communities.
Browse Campaigns
Explore causes that resonate with you and see how you can support impactful projects across various sectors.
Give
Contribute to a campaign
Be part of the change! Join our efforts by contributing to one of our ongoing campaigns aimed at creating lasting impact in communities across South Africa. Whether you want to support through donations, get hands-on as a volunteer, or explore different causes, we have options that make it easy for you to get involved.
Volunteer
Get involved by offering your time and skills to make a real difference on the ground or virtually.
Make a Donation
Your donation directly supports our campaigns, helping us drive change and empower communities.
Browse Campaigns
Explore causes that resonate with you and see how you can support impactful projects across various sectors.
Hear from our Network
OPEN LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
An open letter from Activate Change Drivers, a youth development organisation, regarding the need for resources and opportunities in the agricultural space for collective youth…
OPEN LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS, ARTS AND CULTUREOPEN LETTER
ACTIVATE! Change Drivers, a youth development organisation, calls for reinforced support and investment in the arts sector to empower young people across all provinces. The…
Why Freedom of Expression in Democracy Shouldn’t Be Suppressed
The recorded rise in genocide in African countries such as Nigeria and Sudan paints a harrowing picture where ethnic cleansing, religious attacks and impositions on…
Young, South African, and Pre-Diabetic: Why You Need to Get Tested
November 14th marks World Diabetes Day, a date that should alarm every young South African, but doesn’t. Diabetes is now the second leading cause of…
When AI Replaces Effort: The Silent Cries in South African Classrooms
A recent trending story on Facebook alleged that more than 1,200 matric learners wrote their full names on their scripts instead of their assigned exam…
Who Writes Our Stories – We Do
As we remember Authors Day, I often think of the many authors who inspired us to take up the written word - whether as a…
Bongani Ntuli shifts the lens on disability
When society sees physical disability, it often focuses on what’s missing instead of who a person truly is. This tendency hides an important perspective: everyone…
Michael Maliele: Raising Awareness for Epilepsy and Inclusion
Activate Change Drivers continues to bring disability and inclusion into the limelight through the A! Diversity campaign. This year, the campaign aims to enhance understanding…
ConCourt Gives All Parents a Fair Share of Leave
In October 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled in their favour, granting all parents – regardless of gender or family structure – equal access to shared…
A! Diversity: Amplifying Youth Voices and Championing Disability Rights in South Africa
In South Africa, approximately 3.3 million individuals are living with disabilities, representing a significant portion of the population (Stats SA, 2024). Yet, too often, their…
Become an Activator today
An Activator is an active young person who has gone through the ACD programme and is part of a network of young change drivers who are passionate about community development. The training of Activators began in 2012: more than 5 000 young people have undergone the training in all nine provinces of South Africa. As both individuals and networks, Activators have strongly influenced policy platforms and forums and decision-making structures.
Join our NETWORK.
Collaborate, Volunteer, Donate, Advocate.
Get Started Today.
CAPE TOWN
communications@activateleadership.co.za
+27 87 820 4873
Suite 6, Building 6, The Waverly, Wyecroft Road, Mowbray, Cape Town
JOHANNESBURG
communications@activateleadership.co.za
+27 87 820 4874
Kopano on Empire, 30 Wellington Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193