Moeketsi Koahela is a candidate at the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa (RLC SA) Online programme Cohort 20 – an initiative and partnership of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Moeketsi serves as Chairperson of the National Youth Coalition (NYC) and is the Education and Training Officer in the Youth Activism Programme, at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF). Moeketsi previously held a Project Assistant role responsible for Training and Development at the Development and Leadership Unit (DLU) – Student Affairs, Wits University. Moeketsi holds a Masters in Sociology (2022) from Wits. His thesis dissertation explored “How is Masculinity Performed Among Male University Students in an All-Male Residence at Wits.” Moeketsi also holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology (2018), and a Bachelor of Arts degree (2017) having majored in Psychology and Sociology at Wits University.

Nape Senong has a background in Anthropology and over five years of experience in research and engagement. Nape specialises in leveraging data-driven insights to inform social campaigns and communication strategies, particularly around youth development. As a development practitioner and cultural commentator, he possesses a deep understanding of the creative landscape and the intersection of art, development, and technology. Nape’s current research interests focus on how public sector funding and policy can create a conducive environment for creative practitioners to thrive. Nape is an active member of the National Youth Coalition (NYC) who is dedicated to empowering communities and fostering innovation through effective public policy and strategic support for the creative economy.

Nomusa Langa is driven by curiosity, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact which had led her to pursue a journey that blends academics, leadership experiences, and a deep-seated entrepreneurial spirit. Nomusa holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences specializing in Molecular Medicine and Human Physiology from Wits University which has equipped her with a strong foundation in medical knowledge. Nomusa’s passion for entrepreneurship has grown alongside academic pursuits resulting in Nomusa actively participating in entrepreneurship forums, pitch challenges, and competitions representing Wits University. Nomusa is the founder of a hair care business iLanga Coils that empowers women to embrace their natural hair with confidence. Nomusa is currently pursuing a postgraduate qualification in innovation and entrepreneurship that explores the intersection of Medical Bioscience and Entrepreneurship.

Tshegofatso is currently the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at Wits University; he previously was Deputy Director Student Development at the University of South Africa (UNISA) where he also had a stint as the Acting Dean of Students. Prior to entering the higher education sector, he previously worked for multiple organizations including the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Pan African Parliament as well as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa. He holds a Master of Commerce (MCom) degree in Development Finance from the University of Cape Town (UCT) where he is currently enrolled in PhD studies. His research interests are in strategic management of foreign exchange risk and financial health. Tshegofatso is a certified Chartered Development Finance Analyst (CDFA) and a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). He previously served on UNISA’s Retirement Fund (UNISARF) board of trustees where he also was a member of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) as well as the Investment Committee (IC). He currently serves on WestCol TVET College’s Council as a member appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training where he also serves as a chairperson of the finance committee (FINCOM).

Mzoxolo Vimba is an artist/creative entrepreneur and organizer. He is the founder of Studio Sunday.Best. A collaboration network, experimental art workshops and archive portal for the advancement of art as a sustainable tool to teach, heal, protest and most importantly make a living. As an organizer and artist, Vimba has collaborated with Civicus producing a youth-day activation called “what is our generational mission”, Wits University’s Gender Equity Office, the University of Cape Town’s SRC, Africa open institute from Stellenbosch and liberty life producing projects that foster engagement and community building.

Mzoxolo has worked as the project assistant manager and head of research and archives at Keleketla library, he is an organizing member of the revived Festac festival that took place in Zanzibar, Tanzania and is set to happen in Kenya in 2024. Vimba has staged an installation titled “revolutionary theater” at the Tumaini festival in Harare, co-produced “Ingoma yomzabazo – song as struggle and resistance caucus” and “the ban(a)bility of song” unpacking the existence or the inexistence of the role of “struggle songs” in everyday lives of black folk in the greater Gauteng and Western Cape provinces student populace.