Ga-Marishane, Limpopo Province. In a continued commitment to fostering youth development across the world, the Marishane Youth Hub powered by Activate! Change Drivers, the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa, University of Limpopo and CoLab, is proud to welcome a new cohort of trained professionals in the media space, with approximately 50 young people from the rural communities who have successfully completed media training on NEMISA modules. 

“The initiative, is designed to equip the youth with the essential skills and knowledge, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the local economies and society as a whole, remarked Mr. Malapa Boswaneng – the founding Director of Boswaneng Foundation”.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by the rural communities, the program focused on practical skills in the media space, including amongst others, radio and tv presentation. By providing hands-on training and mentorship, the program aimed to nurture a new generation of skilled professionals who can drive innovation and growth in the community.

“The youth are the backbone of our community. By providing them with the skills they need to succeed, we are not only investing in their futures, more, also in the future of our communities,” remarked Mr. Masenye Masemola in his welcome address from the Marishane Royal House.

“This initiative is a progressive step towards addressing the triple challenges of the world from community level. As we’re aware, the world over is battling to address the challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, especially amongst the youth.

We’re thus hopeful that, the beneficiaries of this project will put their lessons into action as activated change drivers in the community to start driving the change they want to see in the world from community level. This is also our festive celebration as we usher the new NEMISA board member, Mr. Peter Lentsoane from our community”, said Koketso Marishane, ex-officio member of the Marishane Youth Hub.

“In today’s digital age, media programs often include training media, social media strategies and content creation. This knowledge is invaluable in numerous occupations, from social media management to digital marketing, where the ability to navigate and leverage digital platforms is key to success.

It’s thus important, especially among the youth, to understand the significance of media influence, digital literacy, critical thinking and analysis, communication skills, cultural awareness and sensitivity, creative problem solving as well as adaptability to industry changes among others. It’s an undeniable fact that the media landscape is constantly evolving with technological advancements.

We thus remain positive that you’ll apply the skills, knowledge and expertise gained during the training, to make your communities, better places to live in,” concluded Mr. Tony Komane Bapela, the Ward 26 Secretary at the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality.  

Placed: Mr. Komane Bapela (Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality), Mr. Masenye Masemola (Marishane Royal Kraal), Mr. Komane Bapela (Marishane Council of Churches) together with Mr. Malapa Boswaneng (Boswaneng Foundation) at the awards ceremony held in Ga-Marishane.

“It’s not everyday that we see or hear about young people empowering themselves at community level, because most often-times than not, most people from this community especially, have gone to Gauteng Province for greener pastures. We’re thus indeed humbled, to see, and also be part of this auspicious august occasion where we as your parents are invited to celebrate your victories.

Indeed, we look forward to more events of this nature,” concluded Mr. Komane Mathias Bapela, Executive Member of the Marishane Council of Churches. The awards ceremony was held at the Moroangoato Traditional Council office hall in Ga-Marishane.

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