A Pan-African youth movement

Rise. Skill up. Lead.

A Pan-African youth movement clearing pathways for marginalised and vulnerable young people to rise, skill up and lead across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

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Young people first

Safety, skills and livelihoods

South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia

Welcome

Every young African has the right to rise

At Vuka Africa Youth Hub, we believe that every young African has the right to safety, skills and a sustainable livelihood - no matter where they were born, what they look like, or what they have been through.

"Vuka" means "rise" in the Nguni languages. It is our founding call: a call to young people to step into their power, and a call to ourselves to clear the pathways that too often stand in their way. We work alongside communities, schools, employers, governments and survivors, so that the next generation of African leaders - women, men, LGBTQI youth, survivors of violence, and every young person in between - can rise on their own terms.

Who We Serve

Young people too often overlooked

Young women, men and LGBTQI youth facing marginalisation of any kind.

Young people not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).

Survivors of, and those affected by, gender-based violence and femicide.

Young people locked out of digital skills, quality education and sustainable livelihoods.

Young parents and their children, through our early childhood development work.

Our Values

How we show up

Dignity first

Every young person is a person of agency, not a case.

Survivor-centred

Safety, choice and confidentiality guide every decision.

Inclusive by design

No one is turned away.

Community-rooted

We build with communities, not for them.

Evidence-led

We measure what matters, learn openly and adapt.

Partnership-powered

Our impact grows through partnership.

Our Reach

A regional movement across Southern Africa

A snapshot of where we work today, with current hubs, community partners and planned growth across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Current presence

South Africa

Head Office in Sandton. Community partners in Alexandra, Tembisa, Soweto, Yeoville, Hillbrow, Winterveld, Soshanguve, Mabopane and Mamelodi.

Current and expanding

Zimbabwe

Flagship Empowerment Hub in Chitungwiza, expanding to Epworth, Hopely, Mbare and Bulawayi.

Launching 2027

Zambia

Registration underway; hub programmes launching in 2027.

What We Do

Our two pathways

We deliver two complementary programme pathways that together address the realities young people face across our region.

The Empowerment Hub Model

Integrated community hubs that bring digital skills, sports-for-development, youth employment services, health and wellbeing, and early childhood development together under one roof.

Built for communities where young people need safe, multi-service spaces to rise.

Learn more

The Survivor Pathways Model

Trauma-informed, survivor-centred pathways that bridge young people - especially young women and LGBTQI youth affected by gender-based violence - into Employment, Education and Training.

Built for contexts where services exist but young people are being left behind by them.

Learn more

How You Can Get Involved

Walk with us

See all opportunities

Partner with us

Corporate and NPO partners: help us open pathways for young people across all three countries.

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Refer a young person

For NGO partners, shelters, schools and community organisations in South Africa: refer a young person to Survivor Pathways.

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Volunteer or join the team

Coaches, mentors, trainers, counsellors and professionals of every kind.

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Donate

Make a tax-deductible contribution where applicable and help us reach more young people.

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Stories from our young people

Voices of transformation

Short stories from young people rising through our programmes.

EmpowerLab & EmpowerYouth

Thelma's story - from Digital Lab to Pharmacy Manager in four months

Thelma joined the ZimDev Empowerment Hub in May 2025 for basic digital skills training, then stayed on for CV writing and interview etiquette workshops. Within four months she was promoted to Pharmacy Manager at Boetis Pharmacy Chain.

"The system at Boetis uses a computerised POS, and on a day-to-day basis my learnings helped me grasp concepts easily - which is why I was promoted. I am forever grateful for a stepping stone into my career."

Thelma, 29

Zimbabwe | EmpowerLab & EmpowerYouth

Latest News & Updates

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NewsMay 15, 2026

Vuka Africa Takes Centre Stage at Safe Sport 2026 Global Conference

In a historic moment for Zimbabwean youth development, Vuka Africa joins the world's leading safeguarding experts, athletes, and policymakers at the Safe Sport International Global Conference 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

NewsFebruary 21, 2026

Youth Day Football Tournament 2026: Local Teams Unite on National Youth Day

This National Youth Day, Vuka Africa hosts the inaugural Youth Day Football Tournament—bringing together local teams from across Chitungwiza and beyond for a day of competitive football that celebrates youth talent, teamwork, and community spirit.

NewsDecember 1, 2025

We Have Arrived: Vuka Africa Youth Hub Opens Its Doors in Chitungwiza

A new chapter of hope, opportunity, and community transformation has begun in Chitungwiza with the official launch of the Vuka Africa Youth Hub.

Rise with us.

Every young African has the right to safety, skills and a sustainable livelihood. Walk with us - as a partner, a volunteer, a donor or a friend - and help clear the pathways for the next generation of African leaders.

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