Siphofaneni Inkhundla youth embracing Edutainment for empowerment
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Siphofaneni Inkhundla Youth Committee is buzzing with fresh energy, ambition, and a burning desire to rewrite the story of young people in their constituency.
Their approach is remarkable because they have chosen an unconventional yet practical path, edutainment. By blending education and entertainment, the committee is reshaping how youth in the area engage with empowerment, resources, and the opportunities presented to them.
The committee, made up of representatives from seven different communities, is not just a token structure that exists in name; it has become an active force in mobilising young people, bringing them into spaces where they can learn, explore, and dream beyond their current realities.
At its core, the committee understands that today’s youth face immense challenges, from unemployment and lack of information to underutilization of constituency funds, but instead of bowing to despair, they are tackling these issues head-on.
Seneme Shongwe, Chairperson of the Siphofaneni Inkhundla Youth Committee from Nceka, carries the voice of many when he explains the motivation behind the movement. “We’re thrilled to be growing under the ministry’s guidance,” he said.
His words echo a strong sense of possibility. Shongwe acknowledges that unemployment has weighed heavily on their generation, with many young people waking up each day uncertain of how to chart their future.
Yet he insists there is hope in embracing innovative solutions. “As youth, we’re filled with stress due to unemployment, but we’re determined to become future leaders empowered with entrepreneurship skills.”
It is this optimism, mixed with pragmatism, that defines the committee’s character. They know the problems. They live with the problems. But they are also crafting solutions.
The momentum of the committee’s work was most visible during the recent Youth Day celebration held on August 1, an event that attracted companies, organisations, and key stakeholders from around the country.
Unlike many other youth gatherings that are often reduced to mere entertainment, this one struck a delicate balance: fun, networking, and education coexisted seamlessly.
For the youth of Siphofaneni, it was more than a day of speeches and dances, it was a chance to witness opportunities with their own eyes, to see that empowerment is not a distant concept but a lived possibility.
From business mentorship sessions to entrepreneurship showcases, the day demonstrated what “edutainment” really means in practice. Music and drama were not just there for applause; they were strategically infused with lessons about self-reliance, financial literacy, and innovation.
For many young people, it was the first time they encountered the idea that entertainment could carry the seeds of empowerment.
The Siphofaneni Inkhundla Youth Committee has laid down a set of clear and practical objectives that form the backbone of their mission.
Their aims are not vague promises; they are actionable commitments that reflect the aspirations of young people across the constituency:
Create a platform where youth can access information, mentorship, and resources that are often hidden in bureaucracy or limited to the few who know where to look.
Inform youth about constituency development funds and national programs that can support their businesses, education, and personal projects.
Encourage entrepreneurship by supporting youth-led businesses and incubating fresh ideas into sustainable ventures.
Foster peer-led initiatives using edutainment as a tool, because young people learn best from other young people, and messages stick when wrapped in creativity.
This four-pronged approach ensures that the committee is not only a cheerleading structure but a driver of tangible transformation.
The most exciting step for the committee is their upcoming December 6, 2025, edutainment event in Richards Bay, which they describe as a “refresh and rejuvenate” retreat.
It will serve as a platform for young people to break away from the stress of everyday struggles, reflect on their dreams, and reenergize for the future. Beyond the fun, the retreat is designed to be a strategic space for planning, networking, and setting goals for the year ahead.
This is not just a recreational trip, it is an investment in mental health, community bonding, and the kind of exposure that inspires ambition.
For many young people in Siphofaneni, travelling to another country for empowerment purposes is a first, and it symbolises a new chapter in how seriously the committee takes their mandate.
The idea of embracing edutainment also signals a cultural shift. Traditionally, youth gatherings in rural constituencies often focused on sporting tournaments, concerts, or beauty contests, leaving out the critical educational and developmental aspects.
The Siphofaneni committee is challenging this narrative by insisting that young people deserve more. They deserve spaces where laughter and music coexist with empowerment and knowledge.
