KZN DSD MARKS 10-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH SAKHISIZWE COMMUNITY PROJECT AT YOUTH CAMP

By Trevor Khuzwayo.

• The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development is celebrating a decade-long partnership with the Sakhisizwe Community Project in Claremont, Durban.
• The community project and department are participating in a youth leadership camp at Ezemvelo Wildlife in Sodwana Bay, which is being attended by 50 young people.
• Facilitators from the Sakhisizwe Community Camp are leading personal development, economic empowerment, and leadership sessions at the camp.

As the eThekwini North youth leadership camp is underway at Ezemvelo Wildlife in Sodwana Bay, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development is proudly commemorating a 10-year partnership with the Sakhisizwe Community Project – a trusted and long-serving youth development partner based in Claremont.

Established in 2013, and officially funded by the department since 2015, Sakhisizwe has played a critical role in shaping the lives of young people across eThekwini North.

Through mentorship, accredited skills training, psychosocial support, and leadership development, the organisation has been a pillar of hope for youth navigating social and economic challenges.

This year’s youth leadership camp, under the theme “Young at heart – Building an economy centred on the country’s youth”, provides a fitting platform to honour the impact of this partnership.

Facilitators from Sakhisizwe are leading powerful sessions on leadership, personal development, and economic empowerment, engaging directly with 50 young participants from various youth structures, both funded and unfunded.

The camp forms part of the department’s broader Integrated Youth Development Strategy, which aims to prepare young people for self-reliance, and provides accredited training opportunities, and active participation in the economy.

Sakhisizwe’s decade of dedicated service continues to leave a meaningful mark on the Claremont community and the wider eThekwini North district, particularly in areas grappling with urbanisation, unemployment, and social vulnerability.

“This partnership has been more than just funding, it’s been about building trust, impact, and a sustainable future for our youth,” said the assistant director for youth and women in the eThekwini North district, Punu Mkhize, who also serves as the project coordinator for the camp.

Project manager of the Sakhisizwe Community Project, 26-year-old Siphesihle Zondo, added: “For me, it’s deeply personal. I came through this very programme as a teenager. Now, I get to lead and inspire others — that’s the power of consistent support and community-driven development.”