Latest news with #Zimele
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Salt Rock golfer (6) claims fourth KZN title in less than a year
A talented young Curro Salt Rock golfer is swinging his way to success across the country after winning a fourth SA Kids Golf KZN title, this time at Simbithi Country Club. Zimele Gasa (6) shot 35 across nine holes on June 8, adding to his growing trophy collection following wins at Kloof Country Club (January 19) and Zimbali Country Club (March 2). Zimele's passion for golf was ignited while playing at a driving range while on holiday in Dubai two years ago. Zimele's favourite player is Tiger Woods, and the driver is his favourite club. He dedicated his recent success to his father, who was in hospital at the time. 'I love this sport, and I am happy I won because I played for my dad,' he said. His mother, Thembekile, said he loves golf because he is making many friends. He is part of the McKenna Performance Golf Academy, practising twice a week at Umhlali Country Club. Thembekile said her son's success has surprised everyone because nobody in the family plays the sport. 'He always boasts that he is the first golfer in the family,' she said. 'For a year he kept asking to play, then eventually we contacted the academy and he started his lessons. I just signed him up for fun – the next thing I know, he is doing well. He is very competitive and good at all sports, but this was not expected.' SA Kids Golf organises competitive golf tournaments for participants aged 5 to 18, which are supported by PGA South Africa and the South African Golf Association. Zimele's impressive year includes four runners-up places, including a second-place finish at the Kids World Championship qualifier at Seasons Eco Golf Estate in Hartbeespoort, North West Province. The Curro pupil, who turns seven in August, is also an ace swimmer. Earlier this year, he won three golds and one bronze medal at a provincial gala, despite competing in a higher age group. His main focus, however, is next month's Junior Africa Challenge at San Lameer Country Club. 'I am ready for San Lameer. I feel good and hope to play well,' he said. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
News24
03-07-2025
- Business
- News24
How SA youth are rising with Anglo American Zimele
From the quiet streets of Limpopo, Rustenburg, and the Northern Cape to the dazzling coastlines of the Caribbean and Europe, a powerful new story is unfolding. It is one of transformation, mobility, and second chances. Dozens of unemployed youth from disadvantaged backgrounds are being trained in international hospitality and placed into life-changing work opportunities aboard luxury cruise ships. And they're not just travelling; they're thriving. 'This is a great milestone for the programme and youth development in our host communities,' says Larisha Naidoo, Head of Anglo American Zimele. 'Youth unemployment remains one of the major challenges that South Africa is facing, and this partnership is one of the ways we are contributing to reducing unemployment and poverty through impactful skilling.' The programme combines hospitality training, personal development, and international placement to provide young people with the tools, mindset, and opportunity to succeed beyond borders. From no opportunities to global experiences For many participants, this is their first formal job, their first flight, and their first time leaving South Africa. But more than anything, it's their first real encounter with dignity and possibility. 'This is not just about employment. It's about reclaiming identity,' shares one of the programme leads. 'These young people left behind communities where poverty had swallowed hope. Now, they're earning international salaries, learning new cultures, and believing in themselves in ways that once felt out of reach.' Some have used their income to build homes. Others are supporting entire households. Many are saving to start businesses of their own. The financial impact is real, but the personal growth is where the magic lives. 'I never thought I'd make it out' Behind every uniform and passport stamp is a story. A young woman who once dropped out of school due to finances is now working in Europe and supporting her siblings. A young man who had never seen the ocean is now docking in cities across the Mediterranean, learning languages, and sending money home to his grandmother. 'I never thought I'd make it out,' says one participant stationed in Italy. 'I used to wake up every day wondering if life would ever change. Now, I wake up in a new country with a sense of purpose and pride I've never felt before.' 'Coming from Kutullo Village in Steelpoort, Limpopo, I never imagined I'd be travelling across the world,'says Monica Madere, one of the programme beneficiaries. 'This opportunity didn't just change my location — it changed my mindset. I believe I can build a future now.' They speak about the discipline they've developed, the friendships they've formed across cultures, and the way this experience has redefined what they believe is possible. Beyond jobs: Building personal brands and future leaders The transformation doesn't stop at sea. As part of the programme's reintegration phase, returned beneficiaries are being supported through personal branding and career development workshops, ensuring their global experience becomes a launchpad for greater opportunities. Masterclasses have begun across provinces, starting with Limpopo, where returned seafarers are now learning to articulate their stories, update their CVs, and position themselves for long-term career growth. They are no longer just 'former cruise workers.' They are global citizens, future business owners, community role models, and storytellers of resilience. A model for youth empowerment done right As Youth Month comes to a close, this initiative offers more than inspiration. It presents a b lueprint for measurable impact. It proves what happens when intentional investment meets real opportunity. Back home, families are hopeful. Communities are inspired. And a generation that once felt forgotten is finally being seen, supported, and celebrated. This isn't just youth development. This is nation-building. Because when we dare to believe in the potential of our young people, they show us exactly what they're capable of and the world, quite literally, becomes their stage.
eNCA
09-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Mining company bands with cruiseliner to tackle youth unemployment
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa continues to grapple with staggering youth unemployment levels, which have gone up by nearly 10% in the past decade. Approximately 45.5% of youth are currently out of a job. But big business is doing its part to help. READ | Workers' Day | Many willing workers, not enough jobs Anglo American, through its Zimele initiative, has joined forces with Silversea Cruises. They've created a programme designed to offer job opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industries, equipping participants with valuable skills and a professional network.
