“If young people think they can, they will.” – Amathuba Collective
In South Africa, where youth unemployment stands at a staggering 63.9%, young people face immense challenges. But even in the toughest circumstances, hope, resilience, and belief in oneself can make all the difference.
As we recognise World Mental Health Day on October 10, it’s crucial to focus on the mental well-being of South Africa’s youth—because building their mental health is key to unlocking their potential and shaping brighter futures.
Amathuba Collectiveis a social enterprise dedicated to uplifting young people from South Africa’s under-resourced communities. With a focus on creating supportive ecosystems, Amathuba addresses mental health, builds resilience, and fosters economic stability to help youth overcome the challenges they face. Believing in the power of young people’s talents and abilities, Amathuba empowers them to take control of their own development and growth.
“Amathuba means ‘possibilities’ in isiXhosa,” says Emily Rudolph, Founder Director of Amathuba-Collective.
“We’re creating possibilities for youth to build a life vision for themselves and take steps to create positive realities, regardless of where they’ve come from or the obstacles they face.”
In creating nurturing work environments, Amathuba provides opportunities for youth to build confidence, discover their potential, and pursue meaningful careers. Their holistic approach doesn’t just focus on employment; it’s about transforming communities and enabling young people to take charge of their own lives and find innovative ways to make a living.
Amathuba Collective, supported by the Anglo American Foundation, is providing consistent virtual mental health support, to young people in work experience programmes across South Africa.
The aim? To help young people take a positive look at themselves and to envision a future that they would enjoy living. The weekly conversations with their peer support agents give young people the tools to navigate the psychological toll of the harsh realities they face and the uncertainty that comes with unemployment. With peer support, young people are able to replace their fear and anxiety with optimism and anticipation.
In a country where socio-economic challenges are challenging, unreliable public transport, stigma, and access to care, all pose barriers, the Amathuba Collective’s virtual and compassionate approach to building and supporting young people is a game-changer.
Mental Well-being & Youth Empowerment
For many young South Africans, the mental health struggle is real, but it’s often hidden. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four people globally will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives.
“I am that one person in my circle of friends,” shared a participant in the programme.
Through its psychosocial support services, Amathuba Collective creates safe spaces for young people to express themselves, free from judgment. It’s a critical step in building the confidence they need to take control of their lives.
One of the most impactful outcomes of Amathuba’s services is the empowerment it provides. Young people are encouraged to define success on their own terms.
“Don’t tell me how to live my life. We want to define our own success. And then go out and make it happen,” is the bold sentiment echoed by many participants.
In a society that often dictates what success should look like, Amathuba’s programmes allow youth to carve their own path. They are given the space, guidance, and emotional support needed to make decisions that align with their personal goals, values, and aspirations. This autonomy is at the heart of their mission—creating ecosystems that empower young people to be the architects of their own futures.
Where many young people feel trapped by circumstances beyond their control, having the space and support to dream of a different future is transformational. Amathuba Collective is about more than just mental health—it’s about creating ecosystems that put young people at the heart of systemic transformation.
Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going,” said Noam Shpancer, a participant, capturing the idea that mental health is a lifelong journey.
About Amathuba Collective
Amathuba Collective is creating supportive ecosystems that place young people at the heart of systemic transformation. Visit their websiteto learn more.
