Banele Busakwe representing IkamvaYouth on YouFM’s “You Before Noon” segment.
We’re incredibly proud to share that Banele Busakwe, our dedicated Branch Administrator at the IkamvaYouth Mahikeng Branch, was recently featured in an insightful interview on YouFM.
During the conversation, Banele gave listeners a real glimpse into the heart of IkamvaYouth SA. He highlighted that our mission goes far beyond just classroom tutoring or achieving top matric results. At its core, IkamvaYouth is a holistic programme—one that walks alongside our young people through every stage of their developmental journey.
Banele eloquently explained how we prepare learners to thrive, not just survive, by providing:
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Academic support and mentorship to bridge the learning gap.
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Life skills and psychosocial support for emotional resilience.
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Career guidance to help navigate university applications and funding.
Whether a learner is searching for bursaries or preparing to enter the world of work, we ensure they never have to walk that path alone. This is what we mean by “supporting the whole child” for the long road ahead.
A massive thank you to YouFM for providing the platform, and a huge “well done” to Banele for representing the Mahikeng branch and the wider IkamvaYouth family so powerfully.
To : All News Editors
Issued : 16 January 2026
Attention : News Reporters / Health and Lifestyle Reporters / Newswires
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IkamvaYouth Matrics Excel with Record Tertiary Eligibility and 100% Pass Rates
South Africa, 16 January 2026 — As South Africa celebrates a historic national matric pass rate aggregate of 88%, IkamvaYouth is proud to announce that its Class of 2025 has significantly outperformed the national average. Multiple IkamvaYouth branches achieved a perfect 100% pass rate, with university eligibility exceeding the national average. These results underscore the effectiveness of IkamvaYouth’s neer-peer tutoring programme in bridging the gap between lower quintile schools and higher education access.
The organisation remains a hallmark of education excellence, and this year, The KwaZulu-Natal region led the organisation’s national performance with a flawless 100% total pass rate. Most notably, the region achieved a 93% tertiary eligibility rate. This regional success was mirrored in the Western Cape, where the collective achieved a 92% total pass rate. Of those, 85% of learners qualified for access to tertiary education,
“Having faced systemic hurdles, they have emerged with results that are nothing short of extraordinary. From the Joza branch in the Eastern Cape to our 100% pass rate branches in Gauteng and the Western Cape, these learners have shown that grit, combined with a safe space to learn, creates a pathway to a dignified livelihood. We are incredibly proud to walk this journey side-by-side with them as they enter their next chapter.” — Hope Chidawanyika, CEO of IkamvaYouth.
In Gauteng, the regional performance reached a record peak with a 92% total pass rate. The region effectively bridged the inequality gap, with 84% of its learners attaining tertiary eligibility.
The Eastern Cape regional cohort achieved a stellar 95% total pass rate, with 80% of learners eligible for post-school education. Meanwhile, the North West region maintained a strong 80% total pass rate, ensuring that 64% of its learners have secured eligibility for post-school opportunities.
“These results are a testament to the power of our ‘pay-it-forward’ model. More than just an academic victory, this success belongs to the learners, volunteers, teachers, parents and their respective communities, many of whom were once Ikamvanites themselves. By returning to their branches to support the next generation, they are proving that sustainable change is driven from within the community. We are not just producing matriculants; we are cultivating a culture of active citizenship and collective success.” — Hope Chidawanyika, CEO of IkamvaYouth.
This means Matrics supported by IkamvaYouth achieved an overall 91% pass rate, of those 81% are eligible for access to Tertiary Education.
By ensuring that 8 out of 10 Ikamvanites across South Africa are now eligible for higher education, IkamvaYouth continues to build a sustainable pipeline out of poverty. The organisation invites the public and corporate partners to join this mission as the Class of 2026 begins its journey toward academic excellence.
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Media Contact
Damien Buckton, Fundraising Manager, damien@ikamvayouth.org, 084 571 7733
More about IkamvaYouth
IkamvaYouth is a South African non-profit organisation empowering youth from under-resourced communities towards improved academic outcomes and accelerated economic access. Through integrated psychosocial support, academic tutoring, and career development, IkamvaYouth consistently delivers an 85% matric pass rate and 85% post-school placement. Operating in high-need provinces and aligned with national and global development goals, the organisation drives inclusive, scalable impact. www.ikamvayouth.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint Statement issued by:
IkamvaYouth
Mudita Brands
BLUME Communities
Tripartite Partnership Forged to Combat Period Poverty, Championing Women’s Rights
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – August 27, 2025 – In a bold tripartite collaboration aimed at creating lasting value and systemic change, IkamvaYouth, Mudita Brands, and BLUME Communities have joined forces to combat period poverty and champion women’s rights. Anchored in the Becoming Me: Free to Dream initiative, this partnership represents a direct investment in the academic success and economic future of marginalised young women and girls. The launch coincides with 2025 National Women’s Month, celebrated under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All.”
A Crisis of Dignity and Education
For too long, a silent crisis has undermined a generation of young women and girls. A study in the South African Journal of Child Health found that up to 7 million girls miss a significant portion of their given school year each month simply because they lack access to sanitary products or the understanding to navigate this natural part of life without shame. This absenteeism leads to poorer academic outcomes and increases drop-out rates. A separate study in Gauteng province showed that girls without sanitary products were more than twice as likely to miss school (46.27%) compared to those who had them (22.49%). Research from a University of Johannesburg study highlights that the problem is compounded by inadequate sanitation facilities, a lack of clean water, and the stigma surrounding menstruation, which are significant contributing factors, often forcing girls to be absent from school during menstruation or revert to the use of unhygienic alternatives.
“The joint initiative provides a tangible solution that directly contributes to a reduction in absenteeism and improved academic performance,” said IkamvaYouth Spokesperson Shane Everts. “By removing this barrier, we ensure a pathway to improved pass rates, leading to improved access to tertiary education and employment. This is an investment in the long-term resilience of our economy”.
The partnership tackles the complex realities faced by youth, especially young women and girls, including gender-based violence, social barriers, economic challenges, and the silent crisis of period poverty.
A World-Class, Holistic Model
“This tripartite collaboration is a testament to the power of synergy, with partners who have come together to co-create and co-invest in systemic change,” says Everts, “The programmatic interventions of the IkamvaYouth Psychosocial Support Programme align perfectly with the vision and purpose of Mudita and BLUME Becoming Me: Free to Dream” initiative”, Everts concluded.
South Africa’s education system operates within a complex socio-economic landscape, where systemic inequities and resource constraints disproportionately affect marginalised communities. Quintile 1-3 high schools, which serve the poorest communities with no tuition fees, confront daily challenges in environments dominated by poverty, crime, violence, and gangsterism, managing high incidences of learner trauma and mental health issues without access to psychosocial support resources. The absence of adequate counselling services, coupled with severe resource limitations, places an unsustainable burden on educators, who are not equipped to address complex learner needs, such as trauma stemming from violent surroundings or mental health challenges exacerbated by socioeconomic stressors. Despite repeated government calls for interventions to provide psychosocial support and alleviate these burdens, schools remain critically under-resourced, exacerbating the strain on teachers and hindering learner retention and academic success.
The intervention is delivered through IkamvaYouth’s community-based psychosocial support program. With a 21-year track record of accelerating academic outcomes, IkamvaYouth provides the core psychosocial, academic, and career support.
The program’s objectives are to:
- Reduce Learner Dropout Rates: Aim to reduce the dropout rate among learners by providing psychosocial support to enhance learner retention
- Achieve Referral Uptake: Ensure that a vast majority of learners and their families access psychosocial services, including mental health counselling and support, with a significant focus on female beneficiaries to address Period Poverty and GBV.
- Sustain Retention in Care: Maintaining a high retention rate for learners and families engaged in ongoing psychosocial support, preventing disengagement and supporting educational continuity.
- Facilitate Transition to Academic Tutoring: The program aims to transition a majority of learners to IkamvaYouth’s core academic tutoring program, thereby enhancing academic performance and mitigating youth unemployment.
With the support of Mudita Brands and BLUME Communities, the program infuses mentoring and coaching, meditation, mindfulness, and self-healing, empowering girls to connect with their inner potential and cultivate emotional balance and resilience.
Product Innovation
In addition, the collaboration will supply high-quality, reusable sanitary pads that are proudly produced locally in South Africa by South Africans, supporting local industry while providing dignity to young women and girls.
Developed through multiple prototypes and rigorous testing, these pads are crafted from organic, environmentally friendly fabrics. Their flat, comfortable design ensures effective absorption for both light and heavy flow, with overnight protection lasting up to 10 hours. Easy to wash and built for durability, they offer a sleek alternative to traditional bulky designs. The result is a product that feels premium, performs reliably, and is poised to rival existing reusable options currently in circulation.
“The initiative is built on the belief that every girl possesses the inner strength to rise. The result is a fusion of proven approaches, creating a holistic model that is both innovative and deeply relevant in today’s South Africa,” says Nani Ferreira, who leads the BLUME Communities Global Impact Team in South Africa and also serves as Social Impact Project Co-ordinator at Mudita Brands.
“This initiative tackles these challenges head-on, shifting narratives and helping girls reimagine what is possible by fostering safe spaces for self-discovery and growth. The program equips young women and girls with the tools to thrive with dignity and stay in school”, concluded Ferreira.
The partnership’s vision is bold: to scale nationally, reaching every girl across South Africa. By combining Mudita and BLUME’s shared purpose with IkamvaYouth’s established framework and on-the-ground expertise, the program offers a sustainable, scalable model for empowerment and education.
This expansion represents more than mentorship; it’s a direct investment in a generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. By providing access to guidance, dignity, and quality education, the joint initiative offers a compelling solution for investors and development partners seeking measurable, lasting impact on the lives of young women and their communities.
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By: Ezekiel Monare, Community Collaborations Programmes Manager
At IkamvaYouth, we have witnessed firsthand how education serves as a catalyst for sustainable livelihoods, especially for young people. Through our commitment to providing access to opportunities and creating safe spaces for growth, we continue to contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future.
As IkamvaYouth’s Community Collaboration Department, we partner with various organisations across the country to support and enhance successful tutoring programmes. Through these partnerships, we exchange knowledge and insights to ensure the delivery of high-quality educational programmes to the communities we serve. We recognize the profound impact of collective efforts in creating an ecosystem of opportunity for young people.
Each year, we celebrate a significant milestone in the journey of our matric cohorts and after years of hard work, these young learners take the next step toward adulthood. This year, we are proud to announce that 423 matric learners from 19 partner organizations achieved an impressive 90% pass rate! Their success is a testament to their dedication and the collective support of teachers, tutors, parents, and the broader community.
Our after-school programmes go beyond helping learners pass exams. They open doors to new opportunities and futures filled with possibilities. For those who may not have achieved the results they hoped for, we provide a safe space for support and access to skills development opportunities.
We’d like to give special recognition to one of our partners, Glow Movement, for their exceptional work with Willow Crescent, a school based in Eldorado Park. Their 2024 matric cohort achieved an incredible 95% pass rate – the highest in Eldorado Park this year. This success exemplifies the power of collective action. As the Executive Director of Glow Movement remarked:
“This year’s results reflect not only academic excellence but also the growth of character and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of each learner’s unique journey and the support they received from our school community, as they embark on their next chapter.”
As the Community Collaboration Department at IkamvaYouth, we are honored to collaborate with organisations across diverse communities, providing unwavering support and celebrating these milestones.
By: Lungile Simakade, District Manager, Western Cape
IkamvaYouth is thrilled to honor the exceptional achievements of our learners in the Western Cape for the Matric Class of 2024! This year’s results not only reflect the hard work and determination of our learners but also underscore the significant role played by our dedicated tutors and staff who have guided them throughout their academic journey.
The unwavering commitment of our volunteer tutors has been crucial in fostering an environment of support and encouragement at branches. We are also immensely grateful for the invaluable contributions of our partners, funders, parents, and all our stakeholders, whose support has been instrumental in empowering our learners to reach their goals. Together, we have created a community that nurtures talent, resilience, and a strong work ethic, leading to these remarkable results.
We are very thrilled to report a 3% increase in our National pass rate from 90% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. There is also a 6% increase in the Bachelor Passes for the Western Cape (from 64% in 2023 to 68% in 2024) and Western Cape region achieved a sterling 93% pass rate for the class of 2024. This improvement is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved, and we are grateful for the strides made in supporting our learners to achieve even more!
Our learners have consistently demonstrated progress and resilience, achieving remarkable improvements in their academic outcomes over the years. This sustained growth highlights the effectiveness of IkamvaYouth’s tutoring model, the dedication of our tutors, and the commitment of our learners to achieving their dreams.
In 2022, the Western Cape branches achieved an average pass rate of 79%, with 68% of learners eligible for tertiary education. These results set a high standard for excellence, with the Kuyasa branch leading the way by achieving an outstanding 95% pass rate. The Atlantis branch also delivered exceptional performance, with 87% of learners passing their Matric exams in that year.
Fast forward to 2024, we are very thrilled to report a 4% increase in our National pass rate from 89% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. There is also a 6% increase in the Bachelor Passes for the Western Cape (from 64% in 2023 to 68% in 2024) and the region achieved a sterling 93% pass rate for the class of 2024. This improvement is a testament to the collective effort of everyone from our team and stakeholders, and we are grateful for the strides made in supporting our learners to achieve even more. 
The success of our learners is a collective achievement that would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our broader IkamvaYouth community. At the heart of this success lies the dedication and generosity of our tutors, partners, funders, and parents. Their contributions have played an instrumental role in transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities.
Our partners and funders have been the cornerstone of our ability to sustain and expand our impact. Through investing in IkamvaYouth, they have enabled us to provide high-quality educational support to learners in under-resourced communities. Their contributions empower us to deliver effective programs that address the unique challenges faced by these learners, paving the way for academic success and brighter futures. Without their steadfast commitment, many of our achievements would not have been possible.
Equally important are the contributions of parents and guardians, whose belief in IkamvaYouth and unwavering support for their children inspire them to reach for greatness. The encouragement and trust of parents create an environment of motivation and resilience to us, and give learners the confidence to persevere and excel. This partnership between families and IkamvaYouth is a critical factor in the ongoing success of our programmes.
Our sponsors have also played a vital role in creating opportunities for our learners. Through their generosity, we are able to provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure no learner is left behind. From funding educational materials and securing venues to supporting special programs, our sponsors ensure that learners have everything they need to succeed. Their contributions go beyond financial support—they are investments in the potential and dreams of each learner.
We are profoundly grateful to every individual and organization that continues to invest in IkamvaYouth’s vision of empowering young people to create sustainable livelihoods. Together, we celebrate not only the achievements of today but also the promise of a brighter, more empowered future. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey and for believing in the power of education to transform lives.
Lloyd Lungu