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DRIVEN: Ambassador Simamkele Dlakavu Picture: BUSISIWE MBATHA

 I have seen the injustices and understand all that is experienced by a black person, so I am challenging the status quo and I will begin at home 

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Johannesburg will next year host the annual OYW summit when 1500 extraordinary young leaders from around the world gather in an effort to find solutions to local and global challenges with a focus on education, healthcare and good governance.

This year the summit will take place in Pittsburgh, US, from October 19 to 21 with over 40 South Africans and 51 African countries participating.

Simamkele Dlakavu, 20, from Queenstown in Eastern Cape has been a member of OYW since last year. For her, charity begins at home.

"My cause is changing the conditions of black people. I have seen the injustices and understand all that is experienced by a black person, so I am challenging the status quo and I will begin at home," says Dlakavu.

Dlakavu coordinates the project Sakha Ulutsha Lwethu, meaning "We are building our youth", in her hometown and is also part of the Dreamgirls SA outreach and mentoring programme for girls in grades 10 to 12.

Thato Choma, 21, a University of SA student from Tshwane, heads the Revolution Eve Organisation, which is "all for girl power".

The organisation, started in July this year, empowers young women in areas of personal development, leadership, global dignity and vision.

"We cannot stand still and hope things will happen. If you want to see development you have to start early. It is important to continually develop yourself and I urge all women to come on board to make a change to take our country forward," says Choma.

Johannesburg executive mayor Parks Tau says OYW is a tremendous force for good and creates great communication between the youth and the world's leaders.

He vowed to give SA ambassadors a platform on their return from the US to share their ideas for the development. - monnakgotlam@sowetan.co.za

Comments

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Thu May 23 18:41:16 SAST 2013 ::

Sep 19, 2012

Papage

To wakeup to stories like this, My day's work is shortened, positive stories makes us wants to work harder, not for oursleves only, but for our companies and the country. Well done Girl and wish you and the future Leaders good health for we need Leaders in Africa as a whole. Good work Sowetan for positive stories at last.
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Sep 19, 2012

Chichi7

positivity, i like. way to go young ambassadors
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Sep 19, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

This is good please do not allow the NYDA to organise the event I plead please!!!!!
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Sep 19, 2012

maneater

beautiful , just beautiful!!!
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Sep 19, 2012

RobinH

All strength to you all.....
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Sep 19, 2012

mashima?

This is very good and challenging you go girl!!!!!!! . Please make sure that you are not tempted somehow, especially involving the politicians in your project, because they always maneuver a way to fill their stomach and do n't get full. Please watchout.
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Sep 19, 2012

ThirdEye

@mashima
Already politicians are involve, as you can see what Parks Tau said. He is also a politician.
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Sep 19, 2012

Geebyforce

I wish the country could have more beatiful young ladies with such inspiring future.
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Sep 19, 2012

tpaz

big up
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Sep 19, 2012

babyfats

u go gal.......
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