IkamvaYouth has some great stories about how ikamvanites become core staff members. Did you know that Nico ended up randomly at Makhaza one Saturday morning following a suggestion from the person whose couch he was surfing? Four years later, and he’s established the Masi branch and doesn’t seem to be making any plans to return to France any time soon (holding thumbs!)
Zoe Mann floated into IY on a cloud ready for a few months of interning, and two years later, she’s finally decided to get on her bicycle (literally!) and continue exploring the country after being all-consumed at the Masi branch and playing a key role as a project manager for natcom. 
Ikamvanites from across the country have sent heartfelt goodbyes. On Saturday, Zoe said, “this is my last day at IkamvaYouth. I just wanted to say thank you so much for your involvement with Ikamva. It is an organisation I strongly believe in and will continue to support it in anyway I can from wherever I may be. It is the volunteers, as well as the learners and staff, that have made my time here absolutely incredible. I have learnt so much from every single person I have met here and I truly respect what Ikamva and yourselves are contributing to this world. Thank you for being part of my life and IkamvaYouth’s life.”
Nico wrote “Zoe, you really made a difference at the IY branch and also within the community. You inspired me with your eagerness of doing things right and so creatively. I am very happy for having worked with you from July 2010 and will always be pleased to know you will be around IY even when you will be studying. As the US Marines and the Boys & Girls Scouts, we saay “Ikamvanite today, Ikamvanite forever”… I wish you Fair and inspirational winds, Sis.”
Zoe, your contribution has been awesome; your fun, can-do attitude is infectious and you’ll be sorely missed by all of us! The other IY branches are hoping to see you riding up to visit on your flashy red bike 🙂
PS A big shout-out of thanks goes to Jullard Creations who created this beautiful bike, which Zoe can put on her desk when she next has to sit behind one ;-). Juma and Willard have been friends of IkamvaYouth since the 2008 xenophobic attacks when they spent some time staying in the Desmond Tutu Hall adjoining the Makhaza office.
Lloyd Lungu