Over 1,000 Children Gather for the 2025 Soul Buddyz Congress: Empowering Future Leaders.
Theme: “Seen, Heard, Engaged”
The theme for this year's Congress, "Seen, Heard, Engaged," was a powerful reminder of the importance of placing children at the forefront of the conversation. It highlighted the need for children to not only be seen and heard but also to actively engage in shaping their communities and futures. With 300 children attending in person, the event provided a dynamic environment for exchanging experiences and best practices, assessing the impact of SBC, and recognizing outstanding achievements.
A Focus on Youth Leadership and Empowerment
The Soul Buddyz Congress aimed to achieve several key goals:
- Celebrate the dedication of Soul Buddyz Club members
- Provide networking opportunities for clubs and facilitators
- Encourage the exchange of best practices
- Assess the progress of SBCs
- Offer a fun, engaging environment for learning
- Recognize and reward high-performing clubs
- Motivate participation in SBC Unit Guide projects and Special Projects
This year's Congress focused on the power of youth leadership and community-driven change, as young leaders shared their stories, discussed challenges, and showcased the impact of their initiatives in schools and communities.
Delegates and Key Participants
The event brought together top-performing clubs from various districts across three provinces. Each invited club was accompanied by its facilitator, a Learner Support Agent (LSA), and two club members. In recognition of their role, school principals from the highest-performing clubs were also invited to participate. The gathering included representatives from schools, the Department of Education, and various stakeholders committed to youth empowerment.
Key Messages of the Congress
The Congress emphasised several key messages:
- Soul Buddyz Clubs are making a positive impact on schools and communities.
- Active participation fosters fun-learning experiences.
- Community engagement and volunteerism benefit everyone.
- Children are powerful agents of change in their communities.
- Overcoming challenges is possible even with limited resources.
- Youth leadership today shapes a better tomorrow.
Opening Ceremony and Gala Dinner
In Mpumalanga the Congress officially kicked off with a two-hour opening ceremony, setting the tone for the days ahead. A key highlight was the Buddyz showcase, where the children had the opportunity to present their work, share their achievements, and demonstrate the impact of their initiatives.
After the ceremony, delegates took time to network and refresh before the evening Gala Dinner, a prestigious event celebrating the hard work and dedication of all involved in the SBC program.
The Gala Dinner was an evening of connection, celebration, and recognition. Messages of support and encouragement from Soul City Institute, AFSA, and Department of Education representatives were shared, and a keynote address by our, CFO, Dr. Dumisani Dlamini focused on the transformative role of community-driven education. The awards ceremony recognised exceptional individuals and teams for their contributions, with categories like Unit Guide Projects and Club Zone Awards celebrating excellence in project implementation.
Awards and Recognitions
The awards ceremony recognised a range of achievements across various categories. Notable awards included:
- Unit Guide Projects: Celebrating clubs that demonstrated creativity and effectiveness in implementing SBC materials.
- Club Zone Awards: Recognizing clubs for excellence in aligning with SBC materials and driving positive change.
- Leadership, Innovation, and Teamwork: Acknowledging individuals and teams who went above and beyond in their roles.
The awards included laptops, smartwatches, backpacks, t-shirts, and hard drives, all designed to honour the hard work and commitment of participants.
The Soul Buddyz Movement: A Platform for Change
The Soul Buddyz Congress serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for children to become leaders and change-makers. These young leaders are the future, and their work in promoting youth empowerment, education, and community development is vital for creating a better tomorrow.
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congress was held in person, and the energy and enthusiasm were palpable. From the singing and chanting to the proud smiles of the winning schools, the event was a testament to the impact that Soul Buddyz Clubs have on the lives of children and the broader community.
The energy from the Congress in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga was contagious, setting the stage for even greater success in future gatherings. As the Congress headed to Rustenburg in Northwest, expectations were high for another unforgettable experience that will be continued to inspire and empower young leaders, according to our Learner at SCI head office Karabo, the kids were excited and awaiting them to shine.
A Vision for the Future
The Soul Buddyz Congress reaffirms the importance of placing children at the forefront of the conversation. This platform champions meaningful child participation, drawing on frameworks such as the African Union’s Agenda 2040 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Congress aims to address key issues such as gender-based violence, youth leadership, and inclusive participation for children with disabilities and those from marginalized communities.
As the Soul Buddyz movement continues to thrive, the impact of this child-led initiative grows stronger, paving the way for a future where children are truly “seen, heard, and engaged” in shaping their world.
The Soul Buddyz Club program is a proud initiative of the Soul City Institute, working alongside the AIDS Foundation of South Africa to empower children and create lasting change in communities across South Africa.