In a bold step toward addressing the country’s rising youth unemployment and social challenges, the Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation (MNF) has officially launched Project Revitalized, a dynamic national initiative focused on empowering South Africa’s youth. Developed in collaboration with 11 nonprofit organizations across four provinces, the project aims to ignite hope, cultivate skills, and spark sustainable opportunities for young people facing marginalization and joblessness.
Empowering the Next Generation
Project Revitalized is driven by the belief that sustainable development begins with young people who are empowered, mentally resilient, and equipped with relevant skills. Through a multi-phased approach, the initiative combines capacity building, mental health support, and entrepreneurship development to tackle the root causes of youth exclusion and unemployment.
“This isn’t just a project; it’s a movement to restore dignity, purpose, and economic participation among our youth,” says Thuli Zulu, Project Coordinator at MNF.
Building Capacity and Confidence
At its core are Capacity Building Workshops that cover leadership, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and personal development. These interactive sessions help participants build both soft and technical skills, preparing them for employment or to start their own businesses.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Recognizing the emotional and psychological toll of unemployment, the project includes mental wellness programming such as professional counseling, mental health education, and peer-led support groups. These services are essential to promoting emotional resilience and long-term success among youth participants.
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential
Project Revitalized is also creating new economic pathways through entrepreneurship activation. Via ideation labs, startup bootcamps, mentorship, and micro-grant competitions, the initiative nurtures innovative business ideas and helps young entrepreneurs bring them to market.
A Decade of Impact: Africa Youth Entrepreneurship Day
A highlight of the initiative is the annual Africa Youth Entrepreneurship Day (AYED), hosted each June. In 2025, AYED will mark its 10th anniversary as a national platform celebrating youth-led innovation. The event brings together entrepreneurs, funders, policymakers, and community leaders to showcase the impact of grassroots youth empowerment across South Africa.
A Network of Local Change Agents
Project Revitalized is delivered through a powerful coalition of grassroots partners operating in both urban and rural communities. Below are the organizations making this vision possible—on the ground and in action:
Partner Organizations and Contact Information
Lead Implementer: Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation (MNF)
Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, Johannesburg, Tshwane, West Rand (Gauteng) | Mbombela (Mpumalanga)
068 319 4983
mordecain@mn-f.org
Gauteng
Oyisa
Kempton Park
061 464 9095
amandasokanyile3849@gmail.com
Imbumba Youth Organisation
Daveyton
067 034 2597
mk.tshehla17@gmail.com
Youth Uplift Project & Skills Development (YUPS)
Crystal Park, Ekurhuleni
063 896 4739
yups2024@gmail.com
Lesedi La Lethabo
Vaal
078 930 1655
lesedilalethabonpo@gmail.com
Limpopo
Tukiso Children’s Program
Mapela
076 026 8409
tcprogramme@gmail.com
Mpumalanga
Kuhlase Disability Center
Bethal
066 068 0957
thuli.zulu2@outlook.com
NativeEye
Witbank
071 897 1965
nativeyecsa@gmail.com
Unemployed Youth NGO
Belfast – Mpumalanga
079 767 9012
clementmashinini@gmail.com
Free State
Colosseum Group
Boshof
076 307 9207
gifted.colosseum@outlook.com
KwaZulu Natal
Madumelana Foundation
Nongoma
071 392 3667
madumelanafoundation@gmail.com
Northern Cape
Seodin Youth in Arts Service Centre
Kuruman
069 483 8553
master2anthony@gmail.com
With ambitious but realistic goals, Project Revitalized aims to:
- Reduce youth unemployment in targeted provinces
- Improve mental wellness and resilience among youth
- Incubate 100+ youth-led businesses within three years
- Foster grassroots innovation and civic leadership
“We’re not only creating jobs; we’re building a future where every young person believes they have the power to change their life—and their community,” says Zulu.
Get Involved
For partnerships, program participation, or to support the initiative, contact:
Thuli Zulu
Project Coordinator, Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation
projectrevitalized@mn-f.org
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