The I Am, We Are 10th Anniversary Youth Symposium at ANEW Resort Hunters Rest in Rustenburg was one for the history books — a celebration so powerful it felt like the room itself was alive.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement: laughter, hugs, music, and the joyful hum of nearly a hundred young leaders, mentors, and partners ready to celebrate a decade of excellence.
Read MoreWhen I first received the role of leading the Youth Symposium, I was just okay about it. I didn’t fully understand what it meant or what was in store for me. It only started to sink in after we began having meetings and I got a clearer understanding of the role I needed to play, that’s when reality truly kicked in. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a title anymore; it was a big responsibility, and I knew I had to rise to the occasion.
Read MoreI would like to begin with a quote by Simon Sinek: “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.” I completely agree with this statement. When I was first assigned the role of Tour Coordinator, I felt very nervous and even questioned whether I was the right person for the job.
Read MoreWe are excited to welcome Bophelo as he joins the AIWA team as our new Digital Communications Coordinator. With a strong background in marketing, Bophelo steps into this role ready to help amplify IAWA’s voice as we celebrate 10 years of excellence.
Read MoreWe’re excited to welcome Morreenie Legote to the I Am, We Are (IAWA) team! Her journey with IAWA began in May 2025 as a Research Assistant for the 10-Year Impact Study. In this role, she conducted focus groups and questionnaires with both program beneficiaries and facilitators to assess IAWA’s overall impact over the past decade. The insights gathered from this study are helping shape the future direction of the organization. Now, as a full-time Operations and Development Coordinator, she is committed to driving IAWA’s mission forward and ensuring the next ten years are even more impactful/
Read MoreWe kicked off the 10 Year anniversary celebration with a Poolside Chat and Braai in Washington DC with Broadway Star Pearl Khwezi (Lion King).
Read MoreThere’s a unique kind of transformation that only happens when we step outside our daily routines and into unfamiliar places. Travel is about excitement, adventure, and newness. But it can also be unsettling, unpredictable, and even uncomfortable. And that’s exactly where the growth happens.
Read MoreI still remember arriving in Johannesburg in 2009—eager, wide-eyed, and determined. I was working with the Enablis Entrepreneurial Network, supporting small and medium enterprises, but what struck me immediately wasn’t just the energy of the city or the potential of its youth. It was the quiet despair. Young people with dreams as big as mine were trapped in a cycle of structural inequality, limited opportunities, and a system that too often failed them. That year changed everything for me.
Read MoreMentorship is more than just guidance, it's a bridge. A bridge between experience and aspiration, between where someone is and where they hope to go. It connects people, yes, but it also connects possibilities. What makes mentorship so powerful is that it’s meant to be temporary. It’s one of the few relationships built with the goal of growth and eventual independence. In this dynamic, the mentor serves as a steady guide; someone who’s been there, who knows the terrain, and who wants to help others navigate it too.
Read MoreOn February 22, 2025, IAWA hosted a Career Clinic, an event designed to support its alumni in their career journeys. The day was filled with valuable insights, expert guidance, and networking opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on the attendees. The event brought together career professionals and speakers who shared their expertise and experiences with the alumni. The day's activities included speed networking, one-on-one sessions with mentors, and goal-setting exercises.
Read MoreWe’re excited to welcome Pheyello Tshepo Namane—who goes by Tshepo—to the I Am, We Are (IAWA) team! Tshepo first joined IAWA in 2021 as a Youth Facilitator, helping young people navigate challenges beyond home and school. Through his journey, he has developed skills in coaching, leadership, and empathic listening—tools he now brings to his new role. Read on to learn more about Tshepo’s journey and the impact he hopes to make!
Read MoreWe’re excited to welcome Thembi Mtimkulu to the I Am, We Are (IAWA) team! Her journey with IAWA began in 2015 as a curious Grade 8 student, and over the years, the program helped her unlock her potential and find her purpose. Now, as a full-time team member, she’s eager to give back and inspire the next generation. Read on to learn more about Thembi’s story and the impact she hopes to make!
Read MoreWe are excited to welcome Ikageng, a former participant of the Morafe cohort, as she joins the I Am, We Are (IAWA) team as an intern! Having received her matric in 2023, Ikageng is stepping into this new role with a passion for giving back and supporting the next generation of IAWA alumni.
Read More"During our visit to Hope4Kasi for community service, we cleaned the yard and painted a house for grandparents. This experience taught me the importance of helping the community. It enriches your life, familiarizes you with your community, and connects you with people and ideas that can positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life," shares IAWA Ambassador Tlotlego.
Read More"They shared the harsh realities we might encounter, but the lesson was clear: no matter how challenging it gets, never give up, study hard, and stay true to ourselves," recants IAWA Ambassador, Masetshaba as she reflects on her visit to the University of Pretoria during the capstone trip.
Read More"IAWA is such a special place for young people like me. We’ve witnessed young people flourishing through opportunities to develop their social and life skills leading them to deal effectively with the demands of everyday life." Hear from IAWA Ambassador Sibongile as she reflects on her experiences in IAWA and on the Capstone Trip.
Read More"Personally, the camp felt like a message from God, telling me how much He loves me and that I should appreciate the life He gave me, living it to the fullest. He sent this message through good people like Meisha and all the individuals supporting the organization, allowing people like us to see the light." Hear more IAWA Ambassador Moses and his experiences attending the capstone trip as a Youth Facilitator.
Read MoreElaina tells us about her trip to South Africa: “When we were first introduced to each other, everyone was a bit nervous. By the end of the trip, we all didn’t want to leave each other. I met so many amazing people and built great bonds with them. “
Read MoreWhen IAWA first began the mission was simple, to show young people that with the right tools they could do anything. We had hopes that the work we were doing way back when, would lead to the type of people that would go into communities and plant the same seeds. In a sense that those we taught to fish would some day teach others
Read MoreWe talk about our vision to empower young people. How we see a world where they are socially engaged, globally aware, and economically free. But, what do we mean by that, and how do we accomplish this?
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