gold Peer Educator Lisolethu Mali, shares vision for South Africa’s future; wins R100k Community Chest Election Bursary Competition

Having just celebrated youth month, South Africa is encouraged to hear what our young people are saying when it comes to future solutions.

In the lead-up to the elections in May, Community Chest launched an Election Bursary Competition for the pre-election age group to provide them a chance to express their views on issues affecting the country and what changes they would like to see in the future, with particular focus on leadership, social justice and current affairs.

CEO of Community Chest, Lorenzo Davids, “We believe that everyone deserves the chance to be the best version of themselves they can possibly be and nothing should stand in their way. For each young learner to become an adult active citizen and fully participate in all our country has to offer, education is imperative.”

The competition invited learners to critically examine the country’s current political landscape in terms of leadership, social justice and current affairs and suggest the reasons behind the challenges we face as a country. In addition, learners were asked to outline how they would change the socio-economic conditions faced by many South Africans. The written submissions, followed by video presentations were driven via social media platforms to ensure interaction and wider public engagement.

The prizes up for grabs were bursaries totaling R200 000, consisting of a first prize of R100 000, second prize of R60 000 and third prize R40 000.

Yesterday the first prize was awarded to Lisolethu Mali (Grade 12 at Masimbambane Secondary School, Kraaifontein). She has been part of the gold youth Peer Education programme at her school for the last three years, where she has been developed into a purpose-driven role model for her peers and built into an ethical young leader carrying hope for her generation, knowing her value and potential.

Here is part of her competition submission:

“I believe in a society where justice, reconciliation and cooperation can be realized through interaction of all members of society, not just wealthy people or former government structures, but freely available to all. We must close the gap between the rich and the poor by bringing more investors to South Africa. As government, we must create a conducive environment for investors. There must be a legislative measure that is passed which will enforce business to give 10% to local youth so that our people are not only employees but employers. The current society motivates injustice and inequality towards young women as they are limited to a number of activities. This includes a working environment where masculinity is preferred. However, women are just as capable to perform work like anyone else.”