FROM HOPEFUL YOUTH TO HOTEL ELECTRICIANS: THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

By Trevor Khuzwayo.

• A national youth programme has significantly changed the lives of two young men.
• The initiative fosters leadership, technical training, and personal growth.
• ⁠⁠Msizi and Shaheel are inspiring others through their journey of empowerment.

Meet Msizi Dlamini and Shaheel Harry Ajodhaparsadh, two young men from KwaZulu-Natal whose lives have taken a remarkable turn, thanks to a youth development programme at the Wentworth Youth Development Centre. Supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, the centre equips young people with technical skills, mentorship, and opportunities that lead to meaningful employment.

Msizi remembers being introduced to the centre by a friend in a moment that would change his life.
“I was hungry to grow, to learn and to become something more. The moment I walked through those doors, my life began to change,” he recalled.
The programme offered far more than just technical training. It opened doors to experiences that shaped his leadership abilities and personal development. One such experience was a transformative leadership retreat at iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
“It was a pivotal moment for me,” Msizi reflected. “We were taken out of our comfort zones, taught to lead, to trust, and to believe in ourselves.”
Now working as a qualified electrician, Msizi’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for other young people navigating unemployment and uncertainty.
Shaheel shared a similar path. He credited the programme with equipping him with both the technical and interpersonal skills that are essential in the workplace.

“I learned the fundamentals of electrical work, but also how to work in teams, communicate effectively, and take responsibility. I’ve grown so much, not just as a technician, but as a person.”

Their success stories resonate especially powerfully as South Africa recently commemorated Youth Month in June, honouring the role of young people in shaping the nation’s future. Msizi and Shaheel exemplify what is possible when youth are empowered with the right tools, support, and belief in their potential.

Ms Thoko Jali, Facility Manager at the Wentworth Youth Development Centre, praised their achievements:

“Their stories are why we do this work. Msizi and Shaheel are shining examples of how investing in youth can yield transformative outcomes for individuals, communities, and the broader economy.”

Today, both men are thriving in their roles, maintaining critical electrical systems at a premier hospitality establishment. Looking ahead, they are optimistic, ambitious, and committed to paying it forward.

Their journeys stand as powerful testaments to the impact of mentorship and skills development, proving that with the proper support, young people can not only rewrite their own future but also inspire others to do the same.