We sat down with Walkings
Ngwenya a young person from
Ward 3 in Mangwe and he
shared with us on how the
trainings and workshops pro
vided by SWRGN assisted
young men in his ward.

Q: How did the project impact you as a young man?
A: This project helped me a lot as a young man. It showed us
that young men have a place in leadership, something that is
often overlooked. Previously, we were rarely included in
meetings or decision-making spaces. Through the
programme, both the youth and older men in the community
realised that young people should actively participate in
meetings where decisions are made, instead of elders making
all the decisions on their own.
Q: What opportunities did the programme create?
A: The programme opened up leadership spaces for young
people. Youth are now actively participating in structures like
the VIDCO and WARDCO. Young people now understand how
local government systems work, whereas before many thought
council issues did not concern them, not knowing that councils
exist to serve the community. The programme also taught
young people how to manage money responsibly. Some youth
have formed savings groups where they contribute money to
buy goats for each other in turns. This has inspired others in
the community to form similar groups.
Q: Are there youths who have shown leadership initia
tives?
A: Yes. As I mentioned earlier, young people are now part of
VIDCO structures. In Ward 3, Madabe Village, Dugwe, youth
are represented in all VIDCO teams and are holding leader
ship positions.
Q: How have persons with disabilities (PWDs) been
involved in the programme?
A: Before the programme, many people did not understand the
importance of inclusion. After the training, the community
realised that PWDs need to be included in decision-making
committees and spaces. This encouraged PWDs to take
initiative themselves. They now have their own project focused
on purchasing farming equipment to hire out to the community.
They are currently still mobilising funds for this initiative.
Q: Since the inception of the project, how has the commu
nity benefited?
A: The impact has been significant. Leadership was previously
seen as something meant only for the elderly. Even when
there were people said to represent youth in VIDCO positions,
they were often not from the youth demographic, and their
decisions did not reflect youth needs. After SWRGN’s
programmes, young people began occupying these positions,
and our voices are now being heard in decision-making meet
ings. Youth and persons with disabilities are now included in
community spaces, and if you attend a community gathering,
you will see both young people and PWDs present. Overall,