EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH YOUTH-FOCUSED INITIATIVES

James Klusener 

@jamesklusener

The North-West University (NWU) has a history of producing exceptional individuals who intend to leave their mark on South Africa in one way or another. Kagiso Lerefolo is no different – he founded his own non-profit organisation (NPO) in 2021.

Since its founding, the Kagiso Lerefolo Foundation (KLF) has organised many commendable initiatives, including policy workshops, youth camps and academic collaborations between the KLF and NWU. These initiatives have a meaningful impact on the community by providing a safe and supportive environment for children to develop and grow.

According to the Potchefstroom Herald, career exhibitions were also held at the youth camp in September, which further enhances the foundation’s impact on the youth by offering opportunities to explore their passions and future prospects in the working world. 

Moreover, the academic collaborations between the KLF and the NWU included a guest lecture in February for third-year communication students, delivered by their executive member, Kgabo Senyatsi. As part of the collaboration, students were tasked with developing a comprehensive communications plan for the Kagiso Lerefolo Foundation. This taught them the importance of applying theoretical coursework to real-world scenarios. 

This admirable initiative by Kagiso Lerefolo further reinforced the notion that the NWU encourages great leadership and is a place where students become something more. It’s remarkable and inspiring to see someone such as Kagiso use the skills he’s gained to build something that benefits others.

The KLF Youth Camp 2024 (Source: Kagiso Lerefolo Foundation Facebook page)

Edited by Isabel Burgers