Despite having to bring the event forward because of inclement weather forecast for Youth Day on Tuesday, 16 June, nearly 500 teenagers, young adults, VIP’s and personnel from local authorities and NGO’s such as faith, youth development and rehabilitation organisations, attended the six hour event held at the spectacular Roggeland Country House venue in Paarl.

All present were inspired by a wide range of entertainment and motivational speakers that included dancers, bands, a choir and talks by the likes of FABA founder Morne Marais, supermodel Tracy McGregor, Dr Darren Green, Johan Duraan from Valley of Abundance, Little Miss World, Alucci Moller, and former Pride Factor workshop student Vuyo Joboda.

Linda Gcwabe from Nedbank delivered an excellent presentation on the importance of banking services and the event was hosted by Pride Factor MD Dene Botha who inspired and guided the youngsters on how to identify their passions, hone their skills and develop them into successful and fulfilling lifestyles and careers.

The stars of the event were TV presenter Katlego Maboe (Expresso and Strictly Come Dancing) and Jade Hubner (Top Billing) who took time out of their busy schedules to hold the audience enthralled with their humorous and educational repartee as they revealed the real people behind their on-screen personas.

“The youth were very impressed and found the advice from the entrepreneurs and other speakers gave them direction,” said Myrtle Benjamin, the Community Development Officer for the Cape Winelands District Municipality who organised nearly 200 youngsters to attend.

“This was the first time any of them had been involved in a workshop like this and it is what they need. The Grade 11 and 12’s, some of whom came from deep rural areas, were very motivated by the experience. Thanks very much to Pride Factor for a once in a lifetime opportunity,” adds Benjamin. 

Support for the event came from many sources including the Dare to Share charity, who fed hundreds of the youngsters a hot meal while Nedbank donated stacks of give-aways; Brandon McLeod provided PR services; Ian Reed compiled the event artwork; and a very generous donation from Imelda Kivedo, a woman based in Saudi Arabia who saw the event on Facebook and paid for the transport costs that enabled another 100 students to attend.

The Africa Rise inspirational workshop was the third in series of similar events that is being rolled out countrywide by Pride Factor, a Cape Town-based youth academy that inspires and guides young adults on how to become entrepreneurs and address the ongoing problems of unemployment and poverty.

For more information on Pride Factor, visit www.pridefactor.co.za.