Michael first participated in an AMANDLA program in March 2007 when he was 16 years old. At the time he was part of a drug rehabilitation program - he was getting increasingly involved in very serious gang related activities due to drug abuse, which would have most likely resulted in a life of incarceration. From the outset Michael stood out on the pitch among the hundreds of children as he showed incredible leadership potential, although initially he often used it in a negative way. He had difficulty in controlling his emotions and often got involved in arguments that ultimately resulted in fights. Nevertheless, AMANDLA identified this great leadership potential and was convinced that he could be developed into a great role model to youth - if only he managed to control his anger and became more stable in his social life.

It was this potential that motivated his selection to become part of the AMANDLA Youth Leadership Programme – a four year program specifically and specially developed to groom young people with leadership potential into positive role models, to build them as leaders to other youth and within their communities. Through the anger management courses offered to him for his personal development, he slowly and determinedly started to change his attitude and life-style. He was eager to learn and whatever he did he excelled in it. Through the Youth Leadership Programme Michael completed his level one and two of an British FA accredited coaching license, he completed two computer courses, travelled to Johannesburg and Durban as a youth coach and life-skill facilitator and received training in project management, life-skill facilitation, CV writing and presentation skills.

Today, at just 19 years of age, Michael independently coaches two youth football teams daily for schools in his community, whilst also implementing life-skill education by sharing his experience. He is now earning his first small salary and is well on his way to supporting himself as an adult.  When he was asked where he would be today, if there wasn’t an AMANDLA his answer is simple and short: “dead”.

Overcoming such immense life challenges at such a young age makes Michael our best Life-Skill facilitator today. He has become a shining role model for younger children, as many share the circumstances of his situation when he had first joined the AMANDLA Programme. They are inspired and motivated by his success story and with the help of our supporters we are convinced that Michael will be a permanent AMANDLA staff member very soon. This falls in line with the ultimate aim of the AMANDLA Youth Leadership Program to develop well educated and responsible young leaders, who have the capacity to become future employees of the AMANDLA organisation, any of our partner organisations, or any organisation that requires motivated, skilled, and responsible employees for that matter.

Michael’s statement: “AMANDLA saved my life and gave me a new one at the same time.”