Jennifer Mdluli Has Become The Epitome Of Youth Telling Their Stories
2019 Activator Jennifer Mdluli from Soweto Gauteng is the epitome of young people telling their stories. She is currently the host of the game changers show and advocate for youth development and a member of Activate’s Writers Hub.
Jennifer Mdluli Has established herself as a media personality due to her dynamic storytelling ability on radio, television, writing, grassroots development, and sports.
We need to remember it ihas become imperative for young in South Africa to shape the narrative and become active story tellers which will inspire hope, belief and guts to rise up to the current complex socio-economic and grassroots level based challenges and Jennifer Mdluli has been nothing short of an inspiration in summuting the mountain to becoming a pillar of hope and strength towards her fellow young people.
With Jennifer having a diverse portfolio which is colorful, her Involvement in the world of sports, she is a seasoned gymnastics coach with over a decade of experience. Most recently, she founded Emerald Gymnastics, a club based in Soweto dedicated to nurturing talent in underserved communities. Emerald Gymnastics provides a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for children to explore their potential in the sport. The club is already making waves by introducing competitive training and offering opportunities to children who otherwise would not have access to structured athletic development.
And her why-factor will leave many jaws dropping, Jennifer believes that positive storytelling transforms lives and through her excellent storytelling ability of being a writer, every article, show, and gymnastics session is a tool to elevate others, challenge norms, and affirm that African stories—and talents—deserve to be seen and heard.
Her passion stems from personal experience. Having grown up without access to certain platforms, she knows firsthand what visibility, mentorship, and opportunity can do. “Seeing other young people progress and, most importantly, do what they love drives me,” she says. Her mission is clear: to guide, uplift, and create platforms that echo the brilliance of the next generation.
The Impact of Her Work
Jennifer’s work is both broad and deep. From young listeners gaining confidence after hearing her shows, to scholars redirected toward meaningful careers through African Youth Hub, the ripple effects are tangible. Game Changers Show has sparked countless collaborations, connected youth-led initiatives to new resources, and given emerging leaders the spotlight they deserve.
At Emerald Gymnastics, children who never imagined themselves as athletes now train with discipline and dream of standing on podiums. Her workshops give youth the tools to build their futures. And her media presence gives voice to stories often left untold.
In every space she enters—radio studio, community hall, or gym floor—Jennifer is building bridges of opportunity.
Without question she has faced immense triumphs and challenges, like every young visionary – there will always bee financial constraints, especially in gymnastics and youth programs, remain a hurdle. Many of the communities Jennifer serves lack resources, and sustaining meaningful programs requires ongoing support, particularly for things like competition fees, leotards, and equipment at Emerald Gymnastics.
Yet, there has also been immense good. Her journey has led her to inspiring collaborations, national recognition, and countless stories of transformation. Working with partners like Sounds of Azania, Skaterstain, Giyaso, Activate Change Drivers, Jennifer has cultivated spaces of healing, growth, and action. By this we are inspired by the life story of Jennifer Mdluli and we want to take from her, her courageous storytelling ability of putting word into action of inspiring change through actions – her story elaborates that one match stick can set a whole forest on fire.
About the author:
Lebogang Ditsebe is a 2018 Activator from Kimberley Northern Cape, who is a member of the A! Writers Hub. He believes that change can happen when we gather together to shape the narrative. He is a speaker and a facilitator.
