Molatelo Chrysilias Machaba's bubbling excitement stems from his nomination for the Founder of the Year Awards (FOYA) in the Social Founder of the Year category.
FOYA is designed to recognise and appreciate young founders contributing to the African continent's economic growth, while creating employment and other income-generating opportunities through entrepreneurship, thereby inspiring others to be founders.
Machaba was selected among some of the best young South African change and progress pioneers to compete against youths from other African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana and Nigeria. "I earned the nomination for my contribution in uplifting talented youths within the communities here in the Vhembe District, so they may reach their dreams," he said.
Machaba is the co-founder of the Unlimited Youth Development, a non-profit organisation that hosts the Miss Sinthumule/Kutama pageant and other annual events. "My work entails the beauty contest and career expos for Grades 8 and 9 learners," he said. "We assist learners with identifying their strengths in school subjects, so that they know which subjects they should choose in Grade 10. We do career expos for Grades 11 and 12 learners too, where we also assist them with their tertiary entries and admission applications."
Nothing, he said, pleased him more than seeing a fellow youth realising his or her dreams after they had encouraged, motivated, and coached him or her.
Whether he wins the award or not, Machaba's aim is set on adding value towards social change, and creating more stimulating activities to get young people off the streets. "I also believe in social cohesion," he said. "But all in all, I appreciate my community and all the members of the Unlimited Youth Development."
Those interested in Machaba's journey can vote for him on the following link https://foya.thefounder.africa/south-africa/social-founder-of-the-year/over_30/7PHIWILN.