In the heart of Msinga, a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal often overshadowed by limited resources and systemic barriers, a youth-led movement is rewriting the narrative. Siyakhula Msinga Empowerment, a registered non-profit company, is driving change from the ground up one learner, one application, and one dream at a time.
Founded in October 2022 by Simphiwe Mnyandu, a third-year Nursing student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Chairperson of the Insika Men’s Network, Siyakhula has grown from a grassroots support group into a structured NPC powered by a team of dedicated university student volunteers.
Their mission is to dismantle the barriers to education, entrepreneurship, and personal development that continue to sideline rural youth-not only in Msinga but across the broader KwaZulu-Natal region.
The heart of Siyakhula’s work lies in making higher education accessible to those who’ve long been excluded. “Many of us come from these communities. We know what it feels like to struggle with university applications without internet, guidance, or even a proper uniform,” says Mnyandu.
Since its inception, the organisation has assisted more than 8,000 students with university and bursary applications. Their dedicated team offers one-on-one support for CAO applications, NSFAS funding, motivation letters, and documentation, all delivered by university students who have walked the same path.
Despite limited resources, Siyakhula continues to evolve through annual strategic planning workshops. These sessions not only define roles within the team but also open doors to new sponsorships and partnerships. The organization has collaborated with DUT’s Faculty of Health Sciences and is in talks with Management Sciences and DUT Innobiz to bolster their entrepreneurial efforts.
“We’ve hosted two career expos and have big plans for our third one in June 2025. We also run tutorial programmes during university breaks and support schools with motivation sessions and application workshops,” says Mnyandu.
Siyakhula’s impact extends to entrepreneurship. The team offers mentorship, assists with business registrations, and connects aspiring entrepreneurs to seed funding opportunities.
Looking ahead, the organisation is working to establish a digital hub in Msinga, featuring an internet café and media production space. These facilities will serve as both a learning center and a revenue generator, bridging the digital divide for rural youth and giving them tools to tell their own stories.
As Chairperson of Insika Men’s Network at DUT, Mnyandu brings a compassionate lens to the organisation’s work with vulnerable youth, particularly young men facing issues like mental health struggles and gender-based violence. “We are creating spaces where male victims can seek support without fear of stigma. But there’s still a long way to go.”
The proof of Siyakhula’s impact lies in the success stories it cultivates. Hundreds of learners from isolated villages with no internet access are now enrolled at institutions like DUT, UKZN, MUT, UNIZULU, NWU, and UNISA.
“Seeing students who once had no hope now thriving at university or running their own small businesses, that’s our reward,” says Mnyandu.
Earlier this year, Siyakhula gained significant exposure through an Ikhwezi FM interview and was named among the Top 10 finalists in DUT’s Engagement Showcase Awards. The organisation’s growing recognition reflects the strength of its mission and the urgency of its work.
At its core, Siyakhula Msinga Empowerment is more than just a non-profit, it’s a movement by rural youth, for rural youth.
“We may lack funding but we make up for it with passion, authenticity, and a deep-rooted commitment to seeing our communities rise,” says Mnyandu.
With dreams of expanding into a fully-fledged rural development center, Siyakhula Msinga Empowerment is proving that when given the chance, rural youth don’t just survive they lead.
Pictured: Siyakhula Msinga Empowerment members during a presentation.
Phumeza Msongelwa
