about us

The South African Academy for Young Leaders (SAAYL), a Section 21 company and registered as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) was formed in an effort to establish connections, increase the potential for success, and combat the alarming disconnect between the leaders of today and the youth who will take the reins and lead tomorrow. This narritive outlines opportunities for development, describes the SAAYL’s vision, details operating particulars, as well as provides general information to those whom has been identified as a prospective donors and/or stakeholders.

A serious problem exists in many areas of South Africa attributable to among many other things: the lack of exposure to role models, coming from economically marginalized and dysfunctional families and neighbourhoods, and want for inspiration. It became apparent that there was a need to create programmes in order to cement foundational skills for nurturing and developing the future leaders of South Africa, encouraging the pursuit of musical and artistic talents and injecting hope into the hopeless.

For the youth to be prepared to be tomorrow’s leaders, an emphasis needs to be put on the leadership development process and less on the immediate results. Some of the targeted individuals may have an idea of what they would like to do in life but the necessary skills needed to realize these goals are not able to be refined or honed in their indigent communities. This organization has been designed to provide opportunities for young leaders, artists, women, and those with disabilities all hailing from different backgrounds to have the chance to develop and refine their skills as potential leaders. It also gives them a chance to exchange ideas, initiatives, and viewpoints in order to assist them in the promotion towards the path of success and future societal involvement.

The Academy offers a unique combination of programs with contents ranging from long-term leadership training and aims to encourage the youth to become catalysts for change, enlighten and create awareness of the problems in their communities, promote healthy living, foster social responsibility and community service, increase self-esteem, and encourage application of various skills to real-life situations. In developing these kinds of programs, the youth will be equipped with conflict resolution, negotiation and deliberative democracy skills and will be eager and prepared to participate in the constantly evolving South Africa of today and tomorrow.

For these goals to be achieved, the presence of community members, experts, specialists, and those of varied fields from within South Africa as well as international locations would contribute to creating the positive atmosphere needed for change. The founders see these people operating as visiting lecturers who will share their knowledge, life, educational, and industrial experiences with the young participants via unique exercises and varied methods.