Molatelo Chrysilias Machaba (32) from Ha-Ravele in the Sinthumule area won the award for Social Founder of the Year during the Founder of the Year Awards (FOYA), held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 30 June.
FOYA is designed to recognise and appreciate young entrepreneurs contributing to the African continent's economic growth while creating employment and other income-generating opportunities.
Machaba was selected from some of the best young South African change and progress pioneers. He competed against youths from other African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Machaba earned the nomination for his contribution in uplifting talented youths from communities around the Vhembe District, so that they can reach their dreams.
He is the co-founder of Unlimited Youth Development, a non-profit organisation that hosts the Miss Sinthumule/Kutama pageant and other annual events. Machaba also assists learners in identifying their strengths in school subjects, so that they make the right choices in selecting their subjects in Grade 10. His organisation further organises career expos for Grade 11 and 12 learners.
Machaba said that nothing pleased him more than seeing a fellow youth realise his or her dreams after they had encouraged, motivated, and coached them. "I have been wandering around and saw many things in life, but there was one thing that was still missing in my own life, and that was God. Everything has changed now, and my life has to bear testimony that I have changed," Machaba said. "I have so much appreciation for my community and all the members at the Unlimited Youth Development."
He encouraged young people to realise the importance of education and to put that first. He thanked his supporters who had voted for him and dedicated his award to these fans.