Empowering the Future: Youth Volunteering in Corporate South Africa
by Leonard Moliki (Social Impact Ambassador)
This past season of my life has been one of growth, connection, and purpose. I've had the incredible opportunity to witness and be part of a shift that's redefining what corporate social impact looks like in South Africa.
And at the heart of it all is something powerful: young people showing up, leading, and reshaping spaces that once felt out of reach.
Volunteering isn't just something I do; it's something that has shaped me. Through my role as a Social Impact Ambassador at forgood, the largest volunteering platform in Africa, I've had front-row access to how corporate volunteering is being transformed by youth energy and insight. During the Assore Mine4Good launch and while supporting the Momentum NPO Business Challenge, I got to work alongside an incredible team, gaining exposure to the corporate environment while still being deeply rooted in social impact work.
This momentum continues with another incredible opportunity: I've been appointed to serve on the Y20 South Africa Working Group on Meaningful Youth Engagement and Reforming Multilateralism for a Just Future. As part of this voluntary role, I'll be contributing to policy submissions, research, and high-level discussions that will shape youth perspectives in global negotiations. It's a call to show up fully to lead ethically, adapt quickly and represent the voices of young South Africans on global stages.
In South Africa, youth unemployment remains staggeringly high, sitting at 45%, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions and active participation in decision-making processes. As they gain experience and voice, their contributions can drive innovation and foster a more inclusive work environment, ultimately shaping a brighter future for all. The number is growing slowly, but the impact is already tangible.
Volunteering gives us a bridge. It connects our personal passions with professional environments. It builds networks, confidence, and leadership. Establishing a culture of volunteering among young professionals can foster a sense of community and drive meaningful change. By actively engaging in volunteer opportunities, they not only enhance their skills but also demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, paving the way for future leadership roles.
These qualities are essential in today's dynamic workforce, where the ability to work well with diverse teams and understand differing perspectives is vital for success. By cultivating these attributes through volunteering, young professionals can position themselves as innovative leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
As these young professionals navigate their careers, the experiences gained through volunteering will not only enrich their personal growth but also contribute to a more inclusive and socially aware corporate landscape. Young people are bringing their lived experiences, creativity and drive into CSI spaces, helping corporates stay relevant and responsive in a changing world.
But for this shift to continue, we need more than good intentions. Corporate strategies must prioritise creating inclusive environments and actionable opportunities for meaningful youth participation. We need policies that support volunteering during working hours, programmes that speak to youth interests, and platforms that make getting involved easy and meaningful. We need recognition, not just for participating, but for the impact they are making.
The future of corporate South Africa is not something that's coming; it's already here. It's in the hands of young people showing up every day with bold ideas, empathy, and a hunger to do things differently. Volunteering is no longer a sideline activity. For many of us, it's our entry point into shaping a better world.
