DWA project manager Elaine Pypers spoke at the graduation.
“This year has been an interesting journey. During the 2020 recruitment and selection, we knew that we had a high calibre cohort of Fellows. We started the year with excitement, thinking that the Academy’s year would be similar to the year before, with similar experiences. However, COVID-19 threw us a major curve ball. We had to think differently and be innovative in our approach. With lockdown, we decided to go virtual for the first two residential seminars of the Academy’s year, not wanting to place Fellows and DWA staff at risk.
Luckily, we were able to experience the Third Residential Seminar in person. The week was challenging, but it has also granted us as DWA, staff and Fellows the opportunity to get to know each other face-to-face.
I hope this journey with DWA helped you realise that you are a catalyst for change, that you are capable, and that you have every right to take a seat at the table, or, where there isn’t a seat at the table, to build your own and make yourselves known in that space.”
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This year the Academy will be a five-month online programme that consists of three residential seminars, an online learning platform developed with the University of Pretoria, and mentors for the duration of the fellowship to assist you with setting your personal, leadership, and development goals.
‘Democracy Works Academy offers you the opportunity to engage on South Africa’s socio-economics and its past and present political landscape through the various components provided through the programme and by networking with key figures in politics, business and civil society. It also grants Fellows the chance to obtain practical skills that can be applied to their personal development and the development of their communities.’ – Elaine Pypers, Democracy Works Academy Project Coordinator.
On completion, Fellows are awarded an accredited certificate from the University of Pretoria and a certificate of participation from Democracy Works Foundation. The Academy is offered in partnership with the In-Transformation Initiative (ITI).
Requirements:
- Young people between the ages of 19-30 years old;
- Matric;
- A proven track-record or clear interest in driving social justice and change in South Africa; and
- Reside in South Africa (South African or long-term, committed residents).
For enquiries email us at academy@democracyworksfoundation.org
Application Link: https://forms.gle/NEJYVoNg7yBACCeb7
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This year the Academy will be a five-month online programme that consists of three residential seminars, an online learning platform developed with the University of Pretoria, and mentors for the duration of the fellowship to assist you with setting your personal, leadership, and development goals.
Applicant Requirements:
- Young people between the ages of 19-30 years old;
- Matric;
- A proven track-record or clear interest in driving social justice and change in South Africa; and
- Reside in South Africa (South African or long-term, committed residents).
Application Link: https://forms.gle/NEJYVoNg7yBACCeb7
For enquiries email us at: academy@democracyworksfoundation.org
]]>Kelly Baloyi
“Democracy works Academy enhanced my leadership skills and allowed me to look at our democracy through different political lenses. The programme helped me understand that there is no perfect time to lead than right now. I encourage young leaders to take this opportunity to be apart of the Academy. The network opportunities are vast and meeting leaders from different parts of the country is an added bonus.”
Athenkosi Fani
“I saw this opportunity on the internet, I applied, and after my application was considered to be successful. I enrolled at the beginning of the year through this Covid-19 we had online seminars which was a bit tough because of the introduction to the new reality virtual learning, but I gradually learned how to use it. The program included full seminars about the state of the nation we broke down on matters affecting young people and redefining what it is Democracy in South Africa. Other tasks included a project management course offered by the University of Pretoria and Critical conversation were we looked deeply at existing challenges which are visibly affecting us as a nation including Covid-19, corruption and gender-based violence.
The most important lessons I learnt was that young people must start occupying spaces. We must be leaders of today and not of tomorrow because tomorrow may never come. I have learnt that we must seek to advocate our challenges on the grounds than using social media as an alternative solution. It is thus very important that we, as young people, must unite and combat to fight against social ills. The mission is we must always seek to combat change wherever we are, we must speak! I feel on top of the world after graduating, you must understand that this year I have been through a lot facing two attacks one being gender-based violence and another a homophobic attack, this has caused me to become depressed. However, I had a good mother who pushed me beyond boundaries not to give up – I had to honour her and my grandmother. I am really emotional that it has come to an end because I met really wonderful people but we will network and build a better South Africa for all. I hope this accolade brings more opportunities for me academically I hope it allows me to grow in my academia and as a leader.”
Abongile Davani
“What makes up an orange are all the layers it comes with. Each part has it’s own significance. Being a leader needs an understanding of a subject, from one layer to the next. In this regards, this meant; coming to tap into the provoking history of democracy, how it shaped the current and how I can play my role in making democracy work for the public as an active citizen. Building more connections with different leaders from different walks of life has deepened my thinking and the power we have as young people collectively to be one voice from different fields. All thanks to DWA.”
Vuyani Ndzishe
“Our local municipalities are defunct, the most basic entry of service delivery is in ruin – the pulse of democracy and the public good. Our national government is distressing. The state of the country is incredibly concerning and one can easily tell that the South African exceptional story has reached its expiration date. I mean this is expected, every democracy hits the ceiling and reinvention and reflection need to happen. This is what the fellows and I witnessed in the Academy, a growing concern and distrust of public official who wields extensive public power. The system is built on patronage and this needs to be bleed out and that is why it is important for power to go back to the people – we give the mandate, our concerns, views and vision should be reflected and not the other way around. Being part of the fellowship has cemented my view that political parties are premised on patronage and somewhat ‘capture’ and we need to envision an alternative. No one vote, every electoral cycle will save us, politicians are a complete flop. We need to occupy all spaces – be ward councilors, serve in the SGBs, hospital boards, be civil servants, work in the courts, be part of civil serve. The citizenry is continuous, it is not a once-off event and so is democracy, it requires work – just as the United Democratic Front toppled the apartheid regime with collaboration of all corners of society. We need that. Apply for the fellowship and meet young people who are dedicated to this cause.”
Application Link: https://forms.gle/NEJYVoNg7yBACCeb7
For enquiries email us at academy@democracyworksfoundation.org
]]>The Democracy Works Academy, a youth leadership, civic education, and dialogue program, seeks to intentionally upskill and support the countries promising leaders through a year-long fellowship program in partnership with the, In Transformation Initiative (ITI).
Meet this year’s Fellows. They have had to adjust and adapt in the decade of a pandemic that has forced society at large, to level up and reorganize.
They are vibrant, young, purpose and impact-driven. A promising reflection of what our country can become when it utilizes the innovation and youth of the custodians of a future being developed daily.
DWA Fellows Cohort 2021
Monique Hansen is a twenty-four-year-old from the Western Cape who holds a BA degree in Journalism from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She also boasts a rich experience in radio and credits this for her transition from being a “shy girl to an assertive young reporter”. She has been a part of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy foundation’s Youth@Work programme, and has freelanced for her community newspapers since 2017. Advocacy for safer and gun-free communities are at the heart of Monique’s activism, a goal she believes can be impacted by her involvement in Gun Free South Africa.
Zackeen Ebraim Thomas is a twenty-four-year-old from the Western Cape who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Studies at the University of the Western Cape. He also work as a researcher for the institution in the Economic and Management Science Faculty. Zackeen identifies as a Queer Coloured and feels dutybound to advocate for love, peace, and kindness.
Celiwe Shivambu is a twenty-one-year-old from Gauteng who is currently pursuing an Honours degree in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand. A youth and climate change activist, Celiwe is interested in policymaking and diplomacy. She facilitates youth engagement with national climate policies, and also serves as a representative to the “We Are Tomorrow Global Partnership”. She has been part of the Youth Climate Action Plan for the City Of Johannesburg and has represented South African youth at the World Circular Economy Forum + Climate which was hosted at the Hague in the Netherlands.
Palesa Mkhwanazi is a twenty-three-year-old from Gauteng that is passionate about tackling inequality and “changing the narrative of a black child”. With her pursuit of a career in clinical psychology, Palesa hopes to provide access to opportunities for teenagers that struggle with mental health issues and children with learning disabilities.
Susanna Deetlefs is a Human Rights advocate and Chevening alumna from Gauteng. She holds an MSc in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding from Durham University in the United Kingdom, and a MA in Security Studies from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Susanna has experience in research management, with her research interest focusing largely on gendered security, peacebuilding, and child soldiers.
Esethu Sotheni is a twenty-four-year-old Eastern Cape born graduate from the University of Fort Hare. He is passionate about youth and community development and becoming involved has been his approach for over a decade, therefore earning him experience with NGOs, international organizations & student formations. In the years that Esethu has been an advocate for development, he has represented South African youth on an international level and has also founded an organization called Shaping New Minds, an organization that advocates for access to quality education.
Hlenga Siyongwana is a twenty-three-year-old Eastern Cape born graduate from Nelson Mandela University. She holds an Honours degree in Political Science and has ambitions to pursue a Master’s degree in the field. During her years as a student, Hlenga has served in leadership positions for youth and student formations and has participated on multiple Model United Nations conferences.
Haroldene De Jager is a twenty-three-year-old from Kraaifontein who is currently employed by Teleperfomance as an engagement coordinator. As a community activist, her passion lies in development within rural communities. Haroldene firmly believes that it is up to young people to build on the development foundations laid by those who came before.
Luigia Nicholas is a Postgraduate Tax Law candidate at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape. She currently holds a BCom degree in Business Management from the same institution and is a Steering Group Member at the International Collaboratory for Leadership in Universally Designed Education. Luigia also serves in the South African Union of Students and has received a SA 100 Shining Star award from Inside Education and a Rector’s award from Stellenbosch University for Excellence in Social Impact for her work in disability awareness.
Ona Matshaya identifies as a queer social activist from the Eastern Cape. Their interests are in improving access to and the quality of education for children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds around the country, especially those from rural backgrounds. They hold an honours degree from the University of Fort Hare where they majored in Social work and has also served as school-based social worker. Other initiatives Ona has been a part of include the International Conference on Population and Development in Nairobi, and a fellowship at the African Leadership Institute.
Aarya Bagwandin is a second year LLB student from KwaZulu-Natal. Through involvement with organizations like Amnesty International, Aarya has developed the skills to negotiate and collaborate with the outside community and teammates to reach mutually agreeable ends. She has also participated in Public Interest Moot Court held by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and reached the top 16 with her team.
Laercio Manyaka is an Eastern Cape based twenty-three-year-old law student at Nelson Mandela University. He is also a qualified sound technologist with experience in facilitating and has a passion for social justice and democracy advocacy. Initiatives that Laercio has been involved in include “Chuma Afrika”, an initiative aimed at broadening access to education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people in communities.
Lesego Letswalo is a Gauteng based LLB student with the University of South Africa and holds a BA degree from the University of the Witwatersrand where she majored in International Relations and Media Regulation. Her activism is community and youth-based, with the quest of realizing social justice for all.
Ntokozo Lunga is a youth activist and LLB student with the University of South Africa. He expresses his activism through student formations and movements, and policy input and advocacy. Identifying as a Pan-Africanist means that Ntokozo’s passion is centered around principles of Ubuntu and collective efforts for the upliftment of societies. Democratic principles are also at the heart of his activism, with the vision of an Africa that observes and upholds human rights.
Ntesang Makutu is a Northern Cape based student at the Sol Plaatje University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. The co-founder of the social initiative called “Eyethu pop-up Library” has a passion for reducing illiteracy in society, with a particular interest in primary school education. Ntesang boasts leadership skills acquired through her service as the first female President of the Student Representative Council at the Sol Plaatje University.
Nomusa Sibiya has worked in town planning with both the public and private sector and is currently employed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as a professional town planner. Initiatives that Nomusa has been a part of include the Apolitical Academy and the National Spatial Development Framework Young Planners Programme. She also has a passion for women leadership empowerment programmes and aspires to one day serve in local government.
Rixongile Mashele is a Limpopo born third-year BA student at the University of the Witwatersrand majoring in International Relations and Philosophy. Identifying as a black radical feminist, Rixongile aspires to be an academic who can one day contribute to the discourse on gender equality and how it can address some of the world’s socio-economic challenges.
Keagen Gertse is a social and political activist from the Western Cape. The founder of the Keagan Gertse Foundation is passionate about addressing human rights violations and the promotion of the rule of law in society. Other initiatives that Keagan has participated in include Activate Change Drivers and the South African Youth Economic Fund.
Innocent Ramare is a Political Sciences student at the University of Pretoria who identifies as a radical feminist. As a leader taking up space in society, Innocent aspires to not only be a voice for women but also all the disadvantaged members of her community. With faith and family being central in her life, she identifies these as sources of inspiration towards being a better person.
Vuyolwethu Ngcofe identifies as a queer activist who serves as a case coordinator at Nelson Mandela University. Vuyo founded a web series titled Remember “My Voice – a Queer memory box”.
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This series seeks to provide context on some of the decisions made during South Africa’s transition phase, during the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations, and provide critical analysis on how these negotiations have come to inform South Africa’s reality 27 years later.
The Fellows will engage with negotiators who were part of CODESA and guest speakers entities like the media and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
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Our mentors are Melandre Frost – Research Specialist for the City of Tshwane, Ian Mangenga – Designer and the founder of digital hub Digital Girl Africa, Palesa Madi – Deputy Director for the Wits University Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Karabo Maiyane – Lecturer of Philosophy at Nelson Mandela University, and Tebogo Thothela – Assistant Director for the Gauteng Health Department.
These individuals serve the Fellows in five categories, research and academia, diplomacy and policy-making, law, government, and civil society.
The mentors offer their time, experience, and expertise to guide our Fellows in one-on-one consultation during their time at the Academy. Through their expertise, the mentors provide support and skills-building to the Fellows offering a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, the relationship to their environment, setting goals, influencing and communicating with others, adapting to multicultural environments, thinking creatively to solve problems, building resilience in challenging environments and promoting self-care, and developing leadership skills for South Africa’s Democracy.
Every year the DWA recruits new mentors to assist and guide our Fellows based on their goals and career interests.
We believe this is a critical part of our programme that contributes towards a rounded and personalised experience for our Fellows.
]]>Democracy Works Academy is a youth leadership, civic education and dialogue programme established to inspire, empower and connect young people in Southern Africa. The DWA ran its first inception phase in South Africa from 2018 to 2022 as a partnership initiative with In Transformation Initiative (ITI) and The University of Pretoria.
The “Hero Stories” booklet is a showcase of how six Democracy Works Alumni overcame
the obstacles they faced and took the lead in positioning themselves and empowering
others to be the change-makers our country so desperately needs.
Please download our Hero Stories booklet and share words of encouragement with our #DemocracyHeroes and #DWAlumni on Twitter or Facebook.
With Regards,
The DWF Team
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