Katleho Madikeng, Chairperson, Sisonke Entertainment and JA South Africa Alumnus 2011
“The JA Entrepreneurship Academy Programme that I participated in last year has already made such a difference in my life. I was chosen from there to take part in the Enke Leadership Forum, where we were asked to begin a community project to alleviate some of the problems we saw around us.
“Substance abuse and crime are destroying the youth in my community, so I decided to start Sisonke Entertainment. We engage young people between the ages of nine and fifteen in free extra lessons and community activities like board games and soccer.
“Every Saturday about 40 young people come together at my school, Kgola-Thuto Secondary School, in Qwa-Qwa. It’s a neutral space so people feel comfortable enough to discuss their problems with their peers and we’ve been able to refer those that need help to Beacon Of Hope for counselling.
“I believe that we have the power to change our communities, by taking responsibility for our education and our learning. Being given the opportunity to take on leadership roles, like I was able to through my Junior Achievement experience, encourages people to explore creative options and find solutions.
“I am very honoured to have been chosen as one of the Mail and Guardian’s 200 Young People To Watch. I’ve also attended the African Leadership Academy Winter Camp and appeared on an Etv documentary about Sisonke Entertainment. From here I want to do well in school so that I can study nuclear medicine at the University of Pretoria.
“When I go into business I will be amongst the business people known for operating with integrity, carrying my Junior Achievement experience with me throughout my life.”
