Meet the graduates of KZN's Youth Empowerment programme

Updated June 20, 2025, 7:01 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Msizi Dlamini and Shaheel Ajodhaparsadh officially graduated and received jobs, thanks to the KZN DSD Integrated Youth Development Programme

Youth Month is a time to celebrate the spirit, resilience, and potential of South Africa’s young people - and this year, KwaZulu-Natal has plenty to be proud of.

The Integrated Youth Development Strategy by the KZN Department of Social Development (DSD) was launched in November 2024.

It set out to empower the province’s youth with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to shape their futures.

With a generous R500,000 donation from East Coast Radio and Kagiso Tiso Holdings, this programme became more than just a promise. It became a lifeline.

Now, months later, we’re celebrating the success stories of two bright young stars: Msizi Dlamini and Shaheel Ajodhaparsadh.

These two youngsters joined East Coast Breakfast on Monday (Youth Day) to celebrate their success with Darren, Carmen & Sky.

Darren Carmen Msizi Shaheel — Msizi & Shaheel with East Coast Breakfast / Supplied

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Msizi Dlamini’s story reads like a testimony of grit, grace, and the power of believing in better.

Raised in Lindelani (one of SA’s toughest townships), Msizi faced hardship early on.

A move to Phoenix, the support of his family, and a spark of hope in the form of education helped shift the course of his life.

From excelling at technical school to competing nationally in engineering projects, Msizi always held onto his vision.

Thanks to the DSD programme, he’s now employed and supporting his family, proving that your past never has to dictate your future.

Shaheel Ajodhaparsadh, meanwhile, is a force of ambition.

With a passion for electrical work, Shaheel embraced the development programme, honing his technical, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Speaking to East Coast Radio, he credited the initiative for helping him grow personally and professionally, and now, he proudly stands as a qualified phase one heavy current electrician.

"The youth development programme has been instrumental in helping me develop valuable skills, knowledge, and experiences that have enhanced my personal and professional growth. Through the programme, I've gained a deeper understanding of electrical work and developed strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills," he says.

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Both of these bright youngsters have now found employment and are set to begin a new chapter in their lives where they can now support themselves and their families!

These young men represent exactly what Youth Month stands for: resilience, growth, and the promise of a brighter future.

Their journeys inspire countless others to chase opportunity, no matter how tough the odds.

A heartfelt salute to the KZN Department of Social Development, East Coast Radio, and every person who played a part in these success stories. May this be the first of many chapters written by the bold, brilliant youth of KZN.