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
Joburg poet builds a free, non-partisan voting tool to assist the undecided voter
On Wednesday the 4th of November, South Africans head to the polls to participate in the 2026 local government elections. The elections take place in…
Mzwakhe Ziqubu: From the Streets to Governance, Your Struggle Must Become Power
Mzwakhe Ziqubu is a young man from the dusty streets of the Vaal who understands the struggles faced by ordinary people. He completed his matric…
BEYOND BASIC SERVICES: A volunteer doula’s bid for power is SA’s most contested election
In Vanrhynsdorp, where 15 candidates will fight for one ward, a young Doula says politics should be about more than water and lights. South Africa's…
Prudence Hlanyane: Making Local Government Work for Young People
As a community development practitioner, social entrepreneur, and serving ward councillor, Cllr Prudence Hlanyane champions a vision of local government that expands economic opportunities, creates…
Molepo Precious Mashiane: Putting Community Development at the Heart of Youth Leadership
From student politics and community activism to a vision for responsive local government, Molepo Precious Mashiane believes meaningful change begins with understanding community needs and…
Thabo David Pitso: From Community Service to the Pursuit of Public Office
For this 2016 Activator from Winburg, leadership began with helping young people access opportunities. Now, he hopes to bring the same commitment to local government.
Sanqoba Comfort Zisongo: From Afternoon Classes to the Ward 23 Ballot
For this 2019 Activator, the journey into politics began with a concern for the young people growing up around him, and a determination to create…
Youth voice and power in South Africa and Africa
Robert F. Kennedy, United States Senator and brother to the 35th President of the United States, spoke these words at the University of Cape Town…
Should We Even Be Going to the Polls on the 4th? What’s the Point?
With another election approaching, young South Africans are being asked to believe in the power of their vote. But after years of broken promises, unemployment…
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…
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