Martha Setsiba

Community Youth Heroes

Nominee's Province:
Limpopo

Age:
28

Project Name/Description:
Mentz Reading Paradise

More info:
https://web.facebook.com/martha.setsiba.3

Martha Setsiba is extremely passionate about literacy, community development and early childhood development. This 28-year-old community builder is the founder of Mentz Reading Paradise and Masechaba Charity Foundation, respectively. She currently works as a domestic worker while studying towards a early childhood development programme. Through Mentz Reading Paradise, Setsiba heads a reading project titled Nalibali Funda, through which she goes around local schools and non-government organisations promoting a culture of reading. “I love advancing my knowledge all the time and that is why I am currently undergoing Activate Change Drivers Programme that will equip me with leadership skills. As youth, we should start creating opportunities for ourselves and those around us instead of waiting for the government to do the job,” says Setsiba. Setsiba has also donated about 100 books and stationery as part of the 67 Minutes of Mandela Day. “I was motivated [to do community work] by the low matric pass rate in our province, and I wanted to play a part in ensuring that we change that, and the only approach that made sense was to tackle the most important aspect of learning - reading.”