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
Clerah Sethole: From Khutsong To The Corridors Of Governance
Clerah Sethole is a Gauteng-based activator, a public management student, youth development practitioner, education advocate, community leader and a passionate public servant. This month her…
FROM RICE BAG TO BALLOT BOX: The Story of Activator Manganyi Nyiko Lovemore – ANC Ward 28 Candidate
In Ward 28 of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, where villages like Xikundu, Xifaxani, Magomani and Gonani share dusty roads and a deep history of resilience,…
Youth Network counts down to the local government elections, sending more than 100 young people as election observers across the country
Building on their year-long national campaign, Youth Network Activate Change Drivers gears for the local government election, calling on young people to participate in civic…
Xaba Builds Youth Participation And Accountability in Harding Ward 07
Siphele Xaba is a 2026 activator from KwaZulu-Natal, based in Harding Ward 07 within the uMuziwabantu Local Municipality. He is contesting in the upcoming local…
Breaking Barriers: Kamogelo Themba’s Journey As A Transgender Leader
Kamogelo Themba is a 2019 activator from Gauteng ward 71. She is transgender woman who was born and raised in Limpopo, Matome Village and later…
Mandla’s Community Leadership Journey
In the vibrant town of Sasolburg in the Free State, resides an educator, entrepreneur and community activist who is passionate about developing future leaders, Mandla…
Dimakatso Makhasane on Defining Leadership and Youth Power
Get to know 2019 Activator! Dimakatso Abigail Makhasane, a dedicated Child and Youth Program Facilitator, youth activist from Gauteng province, she is a founder of…
Saldanha Youth Circles Creates A Space For The Change They Wish To See
Bathabile Dyonase, who is a 25-year-old 2025 activator from Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, is a co-founder of Saldanha Youth Circles. Saldanha Youth Circles is a…
Mzansi’s Youth Isn’t Up in Arms, It’s Up in Smoke: The Effects of Vaping on the Future of South African Youngsters
South Africa's youth is no longer fighting the battles of 1976. The streets are no longer filled with students confronting an oppressive regime. The struggle…
From Gymnastics To Social Impact
Raedene’s journey in sport started long before she understood that sport could become a career. She spent 10 years as a high-performance artistic gymnast, representing…
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