Books, Boots, and Better Futures: Ratiwe Sehlata’s Youth Upliftment Model
This Youth Month, we shine the spotlight on a young woman who embodies the spirit of service, self-determination, and sustainable community impact.
Ratiwe Sehlata, the Marketing Manager for Future Stars Football Development, wears many hats. Though she holds the title, her work is fully voluntary and deeply personal.
“I took on this role solely as a volunteer to help raise funds for some of the items this team needed to host soccer tournaments and practice,” she says. “I wanted to make an impact in the lives of young upcoming soccer stars and keep them off the risky behaviors they are exposed to by their peers and elders.”
Turning Purpose Into Practice
Ratiwe joined Future Stars Football Development not out of obligation, but out of passion. Her work goes beyond soccer. It’s about mentorship, discipline, and helping children develop a sense of purpose. Thanks to strategic partnerships and community support, the team hosted a successful Top 8 Tournament, supported by DGMT and Activate! Change Drivers. The tournament also caught the attention of sponsors like Hollywood Bets and aQuellé, who donated 1,000 bottles of water and a full soccer kit.
“We don’t want to only rely on sponsorships,” she explains. “That’s why we charge a small fee for tryouts. The proceeds go toward purchasing soccer balls, training kits, and boots—especially for those who can’t afford them.”
A Sustainable, Solutions-Driven Approach
Unlike many initiatives that depend entirely on donations, Ratiwe and her team prioritize sustainability. They generate funds through the very programs that build community, such as tournaments and trials.
“Our solution speaks to sustainability. We’re not always looking for funding. And unlike other NGOs, we prioritize the children’s education. Books before soccer is our motto.”
Still, the challenges are real. Substance abuse, especially during school holidays, remains one of the greatest threats to the well-being of the children they serve.
“Some of our players get tempted to experiment with drugs and alcohol despite our efforts. We work tirelessly to save them before it’s too late.”
Becoming a Philanthropist in Her Own Right
Ratiwe’s story began long before Future Stars. When she was unemployed, she made a decision that would change her life and the lives of many others.
“I appointed myself as a philanthropist in my community,” she says proudly. “I noticed that a number of NGOs were struggling, so I volunteered at four of them. I made it my mission to help them receive both financial and non-financial assistance. And I did.”
Her foundation was built in faith-based schools that encouraged service. But it was Activate ZA, a youth leadership network, that transformed her from a volunteer into an intentional changemaker.
“I joined Activate! Change Drivers in 2019 after seeing an ad on Facebook. I didn’t know much about the organisation, but their values spoke to me.”
She was later recruited by two changemakers, Xolani Gumede and Bonga Mchunu, who had witnessed her dedication to local NGOs.
Through Activate, she didn’t just find direction. She found a partnership. She even introduced a collaborator through Activate’s economic division: Mutualism, a company that helps fund youth-led ventures.
Leading by Example
Being present in young people’s lives comes with responsibility. Ratiwe understands that mentorship starts with modeling the behavior they hope to see.
“We are their parents away from home. Some of these children are just imitating what they see. That’s why it’s important to be good role models.”
Her resilience is rooted in reflection, faith, and mentorship.
“I volunteer, I hike, I pray and meditate on those setbacks. I also have a mentor I speak to when I’m experiencing self-doubt.”
A Message for Youth Month
In a country where too many children fall through the cracks, Ratiwe Sehlata is a reminder of what one person with a heart for change and the courage to show up can achieve.
Her mission is clear. Create safe, enriching environments for young people through sport, education, and love.
“My goal is to keep boys away from substance abuse and on the path to purpose. Soccer helps them stay focused, stay fit, and stay out of trouble.”
Books before soccer. Community before comfort. And purpose before pride.
This is Ratiwe Sehlata’s Youth Month message and her everyday mantra.
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About the Author:
Jennifer ‘JennyLove’ Mdluli – A Radio Broadcaster, a Facilitator, an Activator, and a member of the Writers’ Hub. Passionate about radio, youth, and community development her goal is to tell African stories the African way.
“If it doesn’t work change the plan not the goal.”
