Dimpho Lekgeu
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
29
Project Name/Description:
Community Manager – RISE Mzansi
Dimpho Lekgeu is a community manager at RISE Mzansi and a youth advisor at the Danish embassy in South Africa. “I am deeply passionate about telling stories through conversation and using media as a catalyst for social change. I believe that young people have the energy, ideas, and talent to transform the country; they just need support and resources,” Lekgeu states. A digital marketing and social media junkie, Lekgeu was at the forefront of change at Youth Lab, where she managed social media, created compelling content and spearheaded youth policy initiatives. She also played a pivotal role in the Policy Conversations programme, facilitating dialogues between young people and key stakeholders on crucial issues. Her experience extends to global platforms, having facilitated discussions with organisations such as The World Bank Group, One Young World and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Recognition of her work includes being named one of South Africa’s Top 200 Young South Africans by the Mail & Guardian and serving as a One Young World Ambassador. She also contributes to the Youth Advisory Panel at the Royal Danish Embassy, focusing on creating platforms for youth political expression. Reflecting on the power of arts and culture in uniting South Africans, Lekgeu says artists like Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba used music to speak out against the injustices of apartheid and mobilise international solidarity. “We have some of the most talented young people in the world who, when given the right opportunities and support, can represent us globally,” she concludes.
