I am the Founder and CEO of Empowervate, a South African non-profit organisation that has spent the past 17 years empowering young people to become active citizens, changemakers and social entrepreneurs. My passion has always been to help young people realise that they do not have to wait for someone else to solve the challenges around them. They have the ability to create positive change in their schools, communities and ultimately their country.
Through Empowervate’s flagship Youth Citizens Action Programme (YCAP), I have led the development of a practical, hands-on model that equips learners from Grades 5 to 11 with leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving and social entrepreneurship skills. Instead of simply teaching these concepts, we challenge learners to identify real problems in their communities, design sustainable solutions and implement projects that create measurable impact. Over the past 17 years, we have impacted over 40,000 young people across South Africa and currently partner with approximately 300 schools each year.
As a woman in leadership, I believe leadership is about service, courage and creating opportunities for others to thrive. I have worked to build an organisation that empowers young people from all backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities, to believe in their own potential and become leaders in their own right. My role extends beyond organisational leadership to mentoring educators, developing innovative programmes, building strategic partnerships and advocating for education that prepares young people not only for employment but for responsible citizenship and lifelong impact.
Leading a purpose-driven organisation comes with significant challenges, from securing sustainable funding to navigating an ever-changing social landscape. Yet these challenges have strengthened my resilience, creativity and determination. I remain committed to ensuring that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to discover their voice, lead with confidence and become a force for positive change.
For me, leadership is measured not by personal achievement but by the number of leaders we help create. Every learner who leaves our programme believing they can make a difference is proof that investing in young people creates stronger communities and a better future for South Africa.
I have dedicated 17 years to impacting over 40,000 young South Africans through Empowervate, inspiring active citizenship, leadership and social entrepreneurship while building a sustainable organisation that creates lasting community impact.
My vision is to help build a South Africa where every young person believes they have the power to create change. As a leader, I want to expand Empowervate’s reach so that millions of young people develop the confidence, leadership and social entrepreneurship skills to solve real community challenges. I believe South Africa’s future depends on empowering ethical, compassionate and courageous leaders who unite people, create opportunities and build stronger, more resilient communities. Together, we can raise a generation that does not wait for change but leads it.
Over the past few years, I have continued to grow Empowervate despite significant funding challenges, reaching approximately 300 schools annually and empowering thousands more young people to become active citizens and social entrepreneurs. I have shown that resilient, purpose-driven leadership can create lasting impact by investing in others, building partnerships and inspiring young people to believe that they have the power to change their communities. My greatest achievement is not what I have accomplished myself, but the thousands of young leaders who are now creating positive change across South Africa.
Recreational activities
Music (performing, singing classical, musical theatre and folk, playing guitar, singing, songwriting) Photography Running (have done 2 marathons) Kung Fu (have a black belt) Gym Pilates.