In the heart of Ulundi, a beacon of hope shines brightly for underprivileged youth seeking to transcend barriers to higher education. Maswamahle Youth Development NPC, founded in 2023 by Sphelele Dlamini, a Durban University of Technology (DUT) second-year Marketing and Retail student, has emerged as a pivotal non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing the academic and professional aspirations of high school students.

Maswamahle Youth Development NPC’s mission is to empower youth with the essential tools and knowledge needed to succeed academically and professionally. Recognising the disparities in educational resources between urban and rural areas, Sphelele Dlamini initiated the programme to fill this critical gap. Noticing a profound lack of guidance and support for students in the rural areas Dlamini took it upon himself to save the many talented young minds that were slipping through the cracks due to limited access to educational opportunities.

Since its inception, Maswamahle Youth Development NPC has undertaken various initiatives to uplift the next generation through the organisation’s University Applications Assistance initiative, the organisation provides hands-on support to high school learners navigating the complexities of university applications, ensuring they are well-equipped for their academic journey.

The organisation also offers career guidance and motivational talks through personalised counselling and motivational sessions, learners are empowered to explore career paths and develop crucial skills for the workforce.

Using Community Engagement as a bid to foster community spirit and youth engagement, Maswamahle Youth Development NPC organised a sports tournament in Ceza, aimed at instilling teamwork and leadership among the youth.

In addition to its core educational initiatives, Maswamahle Youth Development NPC is actively engaged in other impactful programmes. The Careshare Youth Charity Programme stands out as a significant undertaking, dedicated to supporting disadvantaged individuals by providing clothing donations to orphanage homes. Moreover, the organisation is committed to aligning its activities with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy and its goal to contribute to changing the lives and the livelihoods of the society.  Efforts to secure sponsors play a crucial role in expanding their reach and ensuring sustained support for their initiatives aimed at fostering positive societal change.

The impact of Maswamahle Youth Development NPC has not gone unnoticed. The organisation has garnered acclaim for its transformative efforts by gaining recognition for their great work by various departments inside the institution. They have been nominated for the DUT’s Engagement Showcasing Award 2024 aligned with DUT’s ENVISION2030, achieving a top 10 position in awards nominations. Successfully completed numerous high school visits, assisting many students with their university applications and some are now members of the organisation and studying in universities and last but not least hosting community events like sports tournaments to engage the youth.

Looking forward, Maswamahle Youth Development NPC continues to expand its reach and impact, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a supportive environment where every youth can flourish. “Our goal is to ensure that every young person, regardless of their background, has access to the resources they need to succeed,” emphasised Dlamini.

The journey ahead for Maswamahle Youth Development NPC is filled with promise and possibility. The organisation welcomes support from the community, sponsors, and other organisations to further enhance its programs and initiatives. Contributions in resources or funding are pivotal in sustaining their mission of empowering youth and fostering a brighter future.

Pictured: Members of Maswamahle Youth Development NPC with students from Lakehaven Secondary School.

Phumeza Msongelwa