Teacher, Speaker and Author, Zanele Njapha was recently honoured by being placed on Avance Mediaâs 2019 list of 100 Most Influential Young South Africans. The 26-year-old is placed in the category of personal development and academic and she hopes to change the meaning of what influential means for the youth.
âEvery single person is influential in their own way. We all have a certain degree of power, whether itâs among friends or family, we have the power to change mindsets and create an impact. The fact that I am on the list is incredible and it surprised me,â said Njapha.
She studied Educational Psychology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and in Wilfrid Laurier, Canada. Her blossoming career began as a Natural Science and Technology Teacher at Doon Heights Primary School. In 2016, Njapha launched a tutoring organization called Acadaid to improve learnersâ marks and to provide the youth with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) skills and the mindset and thought-process on how to face challenges, adapt and craft novel solutions.
âI want to create a positive impact that stands the test of time. I feel like my voice is being heard and I hope that this creates positive ripples in the future,â said Njapha. She currently works with Tomorrow Today Global, a team of futurists assisting organizations to navigate the future of work and emerging trends that influence change.
The Doonheights local found her passion for writing at a young age. âI was the type of young girl who came up with her own stories. I wouldnât go to the library to look for a certain story that I wanted to hear about, I would just create my own,â said Njapha. Encouraged by her mother and school teachers at a young age, she excelled in her literature and began producing captivating stories, she published her first book titled An Eye for Love. The book is based on values and affirming the value of others and was one of the best-sellers 2019âs Midlands Literary Festival.
