By: Nosipho Ntombela

Durban Global Shapers Hub is a diverse group of 20 to 35 year old Durbanites who are passionate about their communities- young people who want to build their own empires by producing fresh and big ideas to change the world.

The aim of this group is to develop leadership that will make a positive impact through serving society.

Part of the Global Shapers Community, which is an initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF), headquartered in Geneva and Switzerland, the Durban Hub was established in 2011 by Ms Lynette Ntuli, who is also the founding Director and CEO of Innate Investment Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

Explaining on what the group is all about, Mandisa Mahlobo who serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Durban Hub said, “We selectively take on various projects that will create not only a positive impact on society but also a long-lasting one. Creating a platform for dialogue that allows young people to seize opportunities in the Durban region and beyond is also one of our aims. We also aim to produce young, independent people who will positively stand their ground.”

The Durban Hub’s vision is to use their own varied skills and experience to be the most impactful platform for addressing youth issues with solutions that enable youth to create their own opportunities and shape their own world.

Presently the Durban Hub is effectively led by a young man called Ndumiso Ngidi, who is a student development practitioner by profession and continues to strive for greatness. He has recently won the prestigious Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Young African Scholars Award, placing him in the Top 15 of Young African Scholars.

“I am very honoured to lead a group of young, energetic and ambitious people- to lead people who are hungry to take over the world. I strongly believe that the Durban youth have so much to talk about, all that is required is the correct platform and a relevant audience,” said Ngidi.

The Durban Shapers project called ‘Talk031’ is currently under construction. The aim of this project is to mainly provide a platform to get young people involved in constructive discussions.

The hub will soon be launching its biggest project by far, the Ikusasa Cross Mentorship Program.

They will be working hand-in-hand with four high schools in Durban through a mentorship program for its grade 11 learners.

People can visit their Facebook page Durban Global Shapers for more information.