Qwabe Leads Through Service and Community Action

Menzi Michael Qwabe, a 2015 activator from KwaZulu-Natal, Umkhanyakude District, Umhlabuyalingana Ward 20. He is contesting in the upcoming local government elections for the first time because his community has seen him do the work and approve of his commitment to serving them with integrity.

Qwabe started doing the work in 2011 after attending a life skills class in Tholulwazi Uzivikele, which required him to do a community program an experience that ignited his passion for community service. He later joined Activate Change Drivers in 2015 where he continued with community work such as hosting youth dialogues and leading various community initiatives. Through this, he became noticeable to various stakeholders and built a name for himself as a trusted community leader.

Over the years, he has managed to influence many young people to venture into social entrepreneurship working along with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). He has also trained about 80 young people in leadership, equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to become active contributers in their communities.

He currently leads and manages an organization called Kuhlekodwa Innovation Solutions and Activation Hub, a non-profit organization that assists community members with social behaviour change programs, university applications, and safe spaces for youth dialogues.

Amongst many others, Qwabe also serves as the amplifier and coordinator for the South African Youth Council (SAYC) Umkhanyakude District where he manages and mobilises young people to promote social development and for career guidance within the region.

For Qwabe, politics is not something young people should distance themselves from. He is of the believe that even though many young people may feel disconnected from politics and government, they should care about it because we are all affected by the system. No one will fix the issues they experience and only through their involvement can they raise their voices. So he encourages the youth to be involved because they are the ones to change all that is currently happening in our communities.

He acknowledges organizations such as Activate Change Drivers that aim to improve the lives of individuals in communities through building on their skills and innovative ideas. He finds this crucial because we need to deploy young people who understand how government systems work and people who are not afraid to challenge and put their own views in meetings, who are also able to influence others and take calculated risks for the benefit of the people.

Reflecting on his own journey, he recognizes the power of the network because he himself has recieved invaluable support from fellow Activators such as Nonkululeko Hlongwane, Shoki Chuene, Brian Mchunu, and Melusi Mahlaba to name a few that have assisted him reach his vision in the development of young people.

Qwabe’s message to all young people who want to serve is for them to start at home by demonstrating leadership roles in their communities. They should listen to the young people they want to serve and follow up on issues they wish to address. He also encourages the youth to join national networks like Activate Change Drivers or be involved in any other community development programs that will serve as a base to build on their leadership skills.

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About the Author:

Londiwe Mnguni is an activated young person passionate about community development and social change, with a deep commitment to contributing meaningfully to initiatives that empower and uplift communities.