Nhlanhla Mosele determined to help the youth realise their potential

Frustrated with the lack of support for youngsters in his community, Nhlanhla Mosele, 37, started his non-profit organisation, the Youth Service Agency, in 2018.

Based in King William’s Town, the NPO aims to inspire and motivate young men and women in the community.

“The aim of the agency is to provide an opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development and to address the physical and social needs of their communities,” said Mosele who was born in Soweto, but spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Ginsberg, the home village of Steve Biko.

“The idea of the Youth Service Agency first came up in 2007 when I got frustrated, infuriated by the lack of support for young people not only in my community, but the entire province.

“I want to encourage the community, and young people who are central to its foundation, to take charge of their lives.”

Inspired by the work of Black Consciousness community initiatives and Steve Biko’s life story, teachings and community activism, Mosele became involved in development initiatives in his neighbourhood after high school.

Through his Youth Service Agency,  Mosele holds workshops and programmes on a range of issues including gender-based violence, human rights, health and more for young people.

“I want to improve cultural, social and economic prospects for the youth by linking them with other agencies and opportunities.

“We develop and promote all forms of youth activities, and we provide young people with a platform that both gives them exposure and offers a point of referral for other agencies,” said Mosele, who is an active member of the Ginsberg Civic Association and a former chair of the King William’s Town Youth Community Policing Forum.

Mosele has also initiated a Constitutional Literacy Project at Charles Morgan High School, which see university law students and unemployed graduates teach the constitution and Bill of Rights to school pupils in King William’s Town.

“Without knowledge and awareness of constitutional rights, citizens will not be able to vindicate their rights or challenge any violation of them,” Mosele said.

Mosele plans to launch it in other schools in BCM including Forbes Grant High, Qonce High, Rhayi Primary and Hector Peterson High once schools were able to reopen.

Responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the organisation has set up an emergency food relief programme for struggling households in Ginsberg.

“This is the time to stand together and fight against Covid-19 as a nation, citizens and caring people,” Mosele said.

Ginsberg resident Ziyanda Tile said Mosele was always there to help the community when needed.

“He’s done so much for us, especially to do with equipping the youth in Ginsberg. He’s always there to assist and guide projects and programmes to improve the community,” said Tile, who is helping with the food relief programme.

Mosele also wants to establish a village public library in one of the King William’s Town townships.

MadeleineC@dispatch.co.za