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
Empowering Youth and Public Servants for South Africa’s Digital Future through AI Policy Maker platform
On Thursday, 26 March 2026, the National Youth ICT Council South Africa, in partnership with Microsoft Elevate, officially launched the AI Policy Maker Platform -…
Are We at a Tipping Point Where Human Rights Are Becoming a Fallacy in South Africa?
South Africa’s constitutional democracy was forged through immense struggle, sacrifice, and an unyielding belief in justice. The adoption of the 1996 Constitution marked a defining…
From Dialogue to Action: Reflections from the Unemployment Summit
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, youth unemployment increased from 36,9% in the first quarter of 2015 to 46,1% by 2025. This sharp increase…
Youth Network hosts intergenerational civic dialogue to address GBV and promote Human Rights
In South Africa, March is observed annually as Human Rights Month; in this month, the country commemorates the 21 March 1960 Sharpeville Massacre and highlights…
Beyond the Pain: The Hidden Mental Health Impact of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is something I have lived with for longer than I can remember. It is debilitating. It shatters dreams and steals everyday joy. It is…
Profile on Neo Iyana
Neo Iyana is a 2023 Johannesburg-based Activator, a proud South African transgender woman, a multi-award-winning life and transformational coach, and the author of the ebook…
Freedom Under Scrutiny: Apartheid versus Today
As South Africa marks another Freedom Day, we do more than commemorate a date on the calendar. We revisit 27 April 1994, when millions stood…
The Weight of Expectations: The Unspoken Struggle of Unemployed Men
In many cultures, the traditional notion of masculinity is deeply rooted in the idea of being the breadwinner, providing for loved ones, and being a…
When Protection Isn’t Safe: How Chemical-Laced Pads May Be Driving Girls from Classrooms
Professor Visser, Head of Chemistry at the University of the Free State, revealed findings that unsettled what millions of South African women had long accepted…
When Advice Becomes a Cage: Why Empathy Must Replace Imposition in South African Conversations
In South Africa today, there is a quiet human condition spreading through our relationships, communities, and conversations. It is not a virus with physical symptoms,…
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