Upper Highway resident wins prestigious award
Hardworking social entrepreneur is passionate about empowering young people.
YOUNG go-getter from Upper Highway, Phakamani Ndlovu, scooped the Youth Connector of the Year award at the Africa Start-up Ecosystem Builders Summit Awards.
This is an annual event with the mission to advance start-up ecosystem building as a new approach to economic development. This is to help more people and communities achieve economic independence through entrepreneurial success while recognising start-up ecosystem builders.
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The KwaNgcolosi resident is passionate about youth and community development and has more than 11 years’ experience in community work, working as a social-behaviour-change advisor and radio presenter, MC and social entrepreneur.
He is also the founder of Phakamani Empowerment VMMC and Condom Project.
The 34-year-old believes that his nomination was a result of his tireless efforts to promote change among young people.
“I think sharing opportunities among young people and creating platforms for the youth landed me this award. I have been involved in community projects, assisting young people in the province, as I believe we are the future and the change we want to see,” he said.
The husband and father of two boys said he has made it his mission to impact people’s lives positively.
“As the leader of the Phakamani Empowerment, I have assisted a lot of entrepreneurs through business mentoring and coaching across the province, hosting educational programmes, leadership seminars and other youth development programmes for young people.”
He stated that he was honoured to be nominated for such a big award. “It shows that people notice my hard work.”
Being born and bred in KwaNgcolosi, a valley with many challenges, he promised to continue working hard to encourage and change young people’s lives for the better.
He thanked his supportive wife and everyone who voted for him.
“I really appreciate it, and thank you to Africa Start-up Ecosystem Builders Summit and Awards 2022 committee and sponsors,” he added.
