KUCA YOUTH IMPACT GALLERY
Khula Unqobe Creative Arts has had the privilege, over the years, of welcoming young people and providing them with a platform to develop their skills. In doing so, they also contribute to creating spaces where children can grow in confidence—both in their gifts and in their academics.
The experiences we offer to the youth build confidence in who they are, what they can achieve in the marketplace, and how they can positively contribute to their communities.
We would like to share their stories with you so that, together, we may celebrate the impact KUCA has had on their future career growth.
Mabatho ledwaba
From KUCA to the Media Industry: A Journey in Communication and Brand Development
KUCA Youth Growth Story
I joined Khula Unqobe Creative Arts (KUCA) in May 2024, shortly after graduating from university while actively seeking opportunities to begin my professional career. I remained with the organisation until December 2025.
During my time at KUCA, I served as the Communications and Marketing Coordinator, where I was responsible for overseeing the organisation’s digital activities.
My role included social media management, content creation, management of the KUCA website, and contributing to the overall development and positioning of the KUCA brand.
My experience at KUCA provided me with an opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a practical environment while developing important professional skills. I was involved in various campaigns, events and fundraising initiatives that challenged me to think strategically, communicate effectively and work collaboratively with different stakeholders.
One of the highlights of my time at KUCA was contributing to the sold-out KUCA Year-End Festival 2025.
I was also involved in fundraising initiatives that resulted in KUCA securing first place in the Momentum NPO Challenge.
These experiences strengthened my skills in strategic communication, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, campaign development and brand positioning.
Where I Am Today
I am currently working as a Junior PR Specialist at a media house, where I coordinate multiple activities, including client development and media projects.
The skills I developed and refined during my time at KUCA continue to play an important role in my current career.
My experience at KUCA gave me the confidence and practical foundation to work in a professional communications environment and to understand the importance of strong storytelling, strategic communication and building meaningful relationships.
Mabatho Ledwaba
KUCA Youth Alumni | Communuication Graduate → Junior PR Specialist at a media house
thapelo poulos makhafola
From Dance Facilitator to Team Leader:
Thapelo Paulo Makhafola | KUCA Youth Growth Story
Thapelo joined Khula Unqobe Creative Arts (KUCA) on 11 February 2023 in Protea Glen Ext. 26. He joined KUCA with a background in Latin and Ballroom dancing, bringing his experience as a dance coach into the organisation as a Creative Arts Dance Facilitator.
During his time at KUCA, Thapelo grew beyond his role as a dance facilitator and took on leadership responsibilities as a Team Leader. His work included planning daily staff rosters, compiling departmental reports, and administering the TeamPact database for monitoring and analysis.
Through dance, he also learned to use creative expression as a powerful tool for emotional expression, communication and storytelling.
Where He Is Today
Today, Thapelo is a Team Leader at Hollywood Sportsbook in the Mpumalanga region, where he continues to apply the leadership and organisational skills he developed during his journey with KUCA.
His current responsibilities include developing monthly location planners, conducting monitoring and evaluation, and supporting and managing his team on a day-to-day basis.
Taking KUCA Beyond the Classroom
Thapelo's KUCA experience continues to influence the way he works and contributes to his community.
In his community, he applies his understanding of collaboration and the power of partnerships to support community development.
In his workplace, he uses the leadership, planning and organisational skills he developed at KUCA to guide his team and approach his responsibilities with greater confidence and structure.
“My journey with KUCA taught me the importance of leadership, collaboration and planning. The skills I gained continue to shape the way I work and contribute to my community.”
From KUCA to the Future
Thapelo's journey is an example of what KUCA strives to achieve: creating opportunities for young people to discover their abilities, develop practical skills, grow as leaders and carry those skills into their communities and workplaces.
His story reminds us that the impact of youth development does not end when a young person leaves a programme. The real impact is seen in what they go on to do with what they have learned.
Thapelo Paulo Makhafola
KUCA Youth Alumni | Creative Arts Dance Facilitator → Team Leader
BAYAKHULA. BAYANQOBA
siyabonga genge
From Discovering Purpose to Building a Career: A KUCA Youth Growth Story
I joined KUCA in 2024 as an intern through the I AM HOME programme. The programme created a space for young people to grow through the Word of God while discovering their purpose, calling, healing and personal identity.
My time at KUCA was a journey of growth—not only professionally, but also spiritually and personally. Through my experience, I developed valuable skills in community engagement, basic computer literacy, email and proposal writing, research, leadership, professionalism and good work ethics.
Where I Am Today
I am currently employed as an Electronic Cutter, where I use the computer skills I gained at KUCA in my daily work.
The skills I developed at KUCA continue to have an impact on different areas of my life. At work, I apply my computer skills every day. In my church community, I use the leadership skills I developed to confidently lead outreach activities and prayer meetings.
But perhaps the greatest change has been within me.
KUCA helped me build self-confidence and develop a deeper understanding of who I am, my purpose, and what God has placed within me.
“KUCA helped me understand who I am in God and what He has placed within me. The confidence and skills I gained continue to guide me in my work, my leadership and my personal journey.”
BAYAKHULA. BAYANQOBA.
sebolelo gaobonwe
From Public Speaking Facilitator to Educator: A KUCA Youth Growth Story
I joined Khula Unqobe Creative Arts (KUCA) in May 2023 as a Public Speaking Facilitator.
In January 2025, I also became part of the KUCA Social Media Management Team, giving me the opportunity to expand my skills and take on new responsibilities.
My main role at KUCA was to support learners in public speaking and poetry. I helped learners write and structure their speeches, teaching them how to conduct research, organise their ideas and confidently deliver their speeches in front of an audience.
I also taught learners the difference between a speech and a poem, including the different techniques required to deliver each one effectively.
One of my greatest goals as a facilitator was to see learners develop the confidence to stand in front of an audience and express themselves. By the end of the year, I wanted each learner to have gained the confidence and skills to communicate their ideas without fear.
Where I Am Today
I am currently pursuing a degree in Teaching, specialising in Geography and History, at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
The skills and experience I gained at KUCA have also encouraged me to extend my passion for communication beyond the organisation.
I have started offering public speaking classes for adults, helping others develop the confidence and communication skills they need in their personal and professional lives.
I also had the opportunity to host my own storytelling segment on Hillbrow Radio, allowing me to further develop my communication, storytelling and presentation skills.
BAYAKHULA BAYANQOBA
Sebolelo Gaobonwe
KUCA Youth Alumni | Public Speaking & Poetry Facilitator → Educator
