#Youthmonth: Tshepo Brand is trailblazing a better future for the youth

Tshepo Brand (29) has become a familiar face at Kids Haven, but his passion for youth development has become a driving force in ensuring that the newly established Teen Hub is successful in fostering true leaders.

Growing up in Thaba Nchu, outside of Bloemfontein, Tshepo says he has first-hand experience of what concerns the youth have and what obstacles they may face.

“I do not need young people to paint a picture of the challenges they face to get me to pay attention to their plight,” said Brand.

“I have experienced the bulk of their issues, the need for a safe free-of-charge aftercare centre, the inevitable need for funds for tertiary education, the uncertainty of whether you will be employed – the list is endless.”

Before joining the Kids Haven team as manager of the Teen Hub, resources and charity shops, Brand served as the DA’s national coordinator of the activist programme.

His role entailed mobilising the youth and general activists in wards across the country to train alongside councillors to become champions of change by addressing issues in their respective communities.

Following nearly two years of working closely with the leadership, he joined the Kids Haven team.

“It only took a few minutes to realise the fierce commitment and investment that staff at the centre have for childcare and protection,” he said.

“The active role that the staff play, not only in the lives of the children in our care but our community, assures them that they always have someone that cares within reach.

On his growing success, Brand continued by saying that people took and continue to take a chance on him, which has allowed him to soar through his journey as a youth.

“I also want to avail myself and extend my hand to provide the youth with the necessary support wherever possible,” he said.

“I think this creates a community, where those that have been empowered and crossed over to the other side get to throw a lifeline to the next generation.

“I see ‘young Tshepo’, who could have easily turned out differently if a community did not invest in him.”

According to Brand his role models are two of the most influential women in his life – his mother who attained a master’s degree while juggling work and motherhood, as well as Susan Daly, his line manager.

“Susan embodies my motto. She pours her entire heart into everything she does,” he said.

“She goes beyond the call of duty in carrying out the mandate of childcare and protection. Watching her has made me fall in love with my job.”

His advice to the youth is to forget about being a future leader, but rather start where you are now.

“Source information and have a positive impact on in your community,” he said.

“Focus on random acts of kindness and remember to reach out for help when it all gets overwhelming. We are all in this together!”

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