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
Menstrual Health Month: The Bleeding Crisis
For the last decade the month of May has been universally recognized as Menstrual Health Month. During this period, the global community gathers in various…
Youth of Ntuzuma Debate Democracy and Discover the Power of Their Voice
On 22 May 2026, Ntuzuma A Hall transformed into a hub of civic energy as Activate! Change Drivers hosted a Civic Education and Youth Participation…
What the Constitutional Court’s Asylum Ruling Really Means for South Africa
Last week, South Africa’s Constitutional Court delivered a judgment that immediately reignited national conversations around migration, asylum systems, border control, and the presence of foreign…
345,000 Jobs Lost as South Africa Celebrates Workers’ Month
South Africa recently celebrated Workers’ Day, as May is recognised as Workers’ Month in the country. Addressing workers at a Congress of South African Trade…
The Invisible Backbone of Society: Why Mother’s Day Must Also Be a Call for Economic Justice Beyond Flowers and Celebration
Every year, Mother’s Day arrives wrapped in flowers, heartfelt messages, celebratory lunches, and public declarations of love and gratitude for mothers and caregivers. Across the…
Motherhood  –  Love, Pain and Fulfilment
Every mother has their own story to tell. Motherhood doesn't come with a manual for us to use or follow. Like rappers on a rap…
Workers’ Day and the Politics of Care: How the Van Wyk Judgment is Redefining Equality in the Workplace
In South Africa, Workers’ Day carries an even deeper historical resonance. Under apartheid, labour exploitation was racialised and institutionalised, with black workers subjected to precarious…
South Africa’s Dilemma With Artificial Intelligence – How Ready Are We?
South Africa stands at a complicated crossroads when it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI). On one hand, AI presents a powerful opportunity to accelerate economic…
The Emotional Cost of Belonging at Work
The professional space is often described as demanding, but rarely do we interrogate what it truly demands of us. It is not the workload alone…
The Indirect Impact of Iran-US Tensions on South Africa’s Economy
The Iran-US conflict has caused immediate volatility in energy markets, with Brent crude oil prices surging 10-13% to around $80-82 per barrel. This increase is…
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