Local youngster nominated finalist for the Anzisha Prize Award

By Abram Molelemane
The word ‘Pioneer’ is exactly what defines Diepsloot Youth Project’s Founder and CEO, Neftaly Malatjie. It his unwavering efforts and passion  for changing the lives of young people, coupled with his commitment and determination to uphold social change in his community that has attained him this title.
Neftaly’s work has been recognised and appreciated by many, resulting in achieving several accolades under his belt such as Winner of the Shoprite Network Awards (2009), Nominee for the Naledi Theatre Awards on the Best Performance Play (2010), selected for the award winning business Old Mutual Legends business support programme, including his nomination for 2010 ICC Young Community Shaper and Jet Community Builder of the year. And that is not all, recently he got selected as one of the only two South Africans to make it as finalists of the Anzisha Prize.
The Anzisha Prize is one of the leading awards for African entrepreneurs aged 15-22 who have developed and implemented innovative businesses or community projects.
According to Reeta Roy, President and CEO of The MasterCard, the aim of the Anzisha Prize is to illustrate the potential, ingenuity and entrepreneurial energy of young people across Africa. “Each year, the Anzisha Prize finalists encourage young people from across the continent to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions and make a difference in their communities,” explains, Reeta.

In 2005 Neftaly started Diepsloot Youth Projects (DYP), an outreach programme that serves for those stricken by poverty, and for youngsters who are emotionally in distress – in short, it is dedicated to finding solutions for South Africa’s youth. Some of these solutions include entrepreneurship training and capacity building, sewing interior design workshops, capacity building and career counselling, and accredited computer training.
Other programmes include life skills workshops, youth leadership training, afternoon care services for youth, drama and dance lessons and much more.
By all accounts, the programmes offered at DYP are effective. Neftaly explains proudly that the training in entrepreneurship and business skills has resulted in a number of participants starting their own sustainable businesses. 12 finalists have been selected and they will travel to South Africa for a weeklong conference and gala event where they will share in $85,000 in cash prizes and access lifelong mentor opportunities.The grand prize winner will be announced at a gala function to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the evening of August 30. As part of the MasterCard Foundation’s partnership with African Leadership Academy (ALA), winners will share $75,000 USD courtesy of The MasterCard Foundation and will join the esteemed Anzisha Fellows network, composed of the 20 Anzisha Fellows to date. The winners will also be given networking and learning opportunities to take their projects to the next level.