Blog
Welcome to the ACTIVATE! Change Drivers blog, where youth leaders share stories, insights, and strategies for driving social change.
Explore posts on local and national initiatives, community projects, and tips for aspiring change drivers. Dive into the heart of youth activism and be inspired by the real-life stories shaping South Africa’s future.
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...
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...
From Dialogue to Action: Reflections from the Unemployment Summit
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, youth unemployment increased from 36,9% in the...
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...
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....
Profile on Neo Iyana
Neo Iyana is a 2023 Johannesburg-based Activator, a proud South African transgender woman, a...
Freedom Under Scrutiny: Apartheid versus Today
As South Africa marks another Freedom Day, we do more than commemorate a date on the calendar. We...
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...
When Protection Isn’t Safe: How Chemical-Laced Pads May Be Driving Girls from Classrooms
On the 16th of February 2026, something shifted. Quietly at first, then all at once. Professor...
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,...
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 – a transformative digital learning and civic tech initiative designed to strengthen South Africa’s capacity for responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence governance.
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 moment in the nation’s history—a bold commitment to dismantle the deep injustices of the past and build a society anchored in dignity, equality, and freedom. At the core of this vision lies Chapter 2, the Bill of Rights, widely regarded as one of the most progressive human rights frameworks globally.
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 in the unemployment rate of South Africa’s youth raises alarms about the systemic challenges we are faced with as a country. Responding to this challenge, ACTIVATE! Change Drivers received a timely invitation to join this year’s On the Record Summit on Unemployment hosted by News 24.
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 the journey toward democracy. The 2026 theme is “A Legacy of Courage: Protecting Rights, Preserving Humanity”.
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View more in our Media Hub
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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 4 000 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.
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