The City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department provided training to 11 154 youth, aged 14 to 35, during the last financial year as part of its investment in youth development and its broader whole-of-society approach to building safer and more resilient communities.

From August 2025 to June 2026, young people from across the city who were recruited through schools, youth organisations and sub-councils, received training in first aid, personal development plans, leadership skills programmes, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and youth employability skills.

‘More than 11 000 young people took part in these programmes over the past year, gaining practical skills that can help them grow in confidence, become stronger leaders and build positive networks and see a future for themselves beyond crime and gangs. When we invest in young people, we strengthen individuals, families and communities and help create the conditions in which young people can make positive choices about their futures,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

The programmes are delivered across the city through CACD’s regional teams. Personal Development Plan and Youth Employability Skills programmes are delivered by regional officials using standardised CACD manuals and guidelines, while specialised training in leadership development, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and first aid is delivered by appropriately qualified external service providers. 

The main objective of the training sessions is to:

• Build confident young leaders who have the courage to speak up, take action and shape the future 
• Empower young people to lead, inspire others and create positive change.
• Encourage young people to enrol in future programmes
• Encourage young people to participate in development initiatives.
• Promote volunteerism and community-led projects

Anyone interested in the programme, can email CommunityArtsAndCultureDevelopment@capetown.gov.za.

Captions: Councillor Higham joined the programme along with City officials and partners at the Sophumelela High School in Samora Machel.