More than 11 000 young people across Cape Town received leadership and employability training last year, strengthening confidence, opportunity and community resilience through practical development programmes citywide.
The City of Cape Town’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department trained 11 154 young people between August 2025 and June 2026 as part of its wider investment in youth development.
Participants between the ages of 14 and 35 were recruited through schools, youth organisations and sub-councils across the city.
The programmes provided training in first aid, personal development planning, leadership, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and employability skills, giving young people practical tools that can support both their personal and professional development.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Councillor Francine Higham said investing in young people can play an important role in strengthening families and communities.
“More than 11 000 young people took part in these programmes over the past year, gaining practical skills that can help them grow in confidence, become stronger leaders and build positive networks and see a future for themselves beyond crime and gangs,” Higham said.
“When we invest in young people, we strengthen individuals, families and communities and help create the conditions in which young people can make positive choices about their futures.”
The programmes are delivered through the department’s regional teams, helping make development opportunities accessible to young people in communities across Cape Town.
Personal Development Plan and Youth Employability Skills programmes are facilitated by regional officials using standardised manuals and guidelines developed by the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department.
Specialised training in areas including leadership development, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and first aid is provided by appropriately qualified external service providers.
Beyond preparing young people for employment, the initiative also aims to strengthen their ability to participate meaningfully in their communities.
The programmes encourage participants to develop confidence, speak up, take action and become young leaders capable of influencing positive change around them.
Young people are also encouraged to participate in future development programmes, become involved in community initiatives and explore volunteer opportunities.
By combining practical employability skills with personal and leadership development, the programme forms part of the City’s broader whole-of-society approach to building safer and more resilient communities.
The initiative also creates opportunities for young people to develop positive networks and strengthen their ability to make informed decisions about their futures.
Higham recently joined participants, City officials and programme partners at Sophumelela High School in Samora Machel, where young people took part in the development programme.
Young people interested in participating in future programmes can contact the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department at CommunityArtsAndCultureDevelopment@capetown.gov.za.
