Creating Hope Africa Hosts Transformative Velddrif 2911 Youth Conference 2026

Creating Hope Africa
4 hours ago
4 min read

A powerful day of connection, opportunity, and hope for Greater Velddrif youth

Velddrif, Western Cape, 29 April 2026 — Creating Hope Africa (CHA) successfully hosted the Velddrif 2911 Youth Conference 2026 on 29 April at Noordhoek Community Hall, welcoming young people from across Velddrif, Laaiplek, Noordhoek and Dwarskersbos for a day defined by energy, engagement, and meaningful opportunity.

What unfolded was more than a conference – it was a dynamic platform where young people were not only inspired, but actively connected to real pathways in education, employment, and personal development.

From the moment of arrival, attendees were welcomed into a carefully curated experience. Each participant received a 2911 Youth Conference drawstring bag containing essential materials for the day, alongside refreshments, setting the tone for a well-supported and engaging environment. The programme opened with music, movement, and moments of celebration, creating an atmosphere of excitement and inclusion.

The formal programme was led by 2911 Youth Consultant and Programme Director Nomonde Ndlangisa, who welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day.

A powerful message from Creating Hope Africa Founder, Dr Hilke Maartens, reminded young people that their future holds promise, purpose, and possibility:

“This is more than a conference; it is the beginning of a new direction – one where hope is restored, confidence is built, and opportunities are unlocked.”

Further grounding the day’s purpose, Creating Hope Africa Education Manager Alletta van Sittert spoke on “Why Are We Here,” reinforcing the organisation’s belief that every young person carries a talent that can be developed into a meaningful livelihood and participation in society.

Youth Conference Speakers & Exhibitors

A highlight of the morning included a virtual motivational engagement with NASA, broadening perspectives and demonstrating the global possibilities available to youth. This was followed by a keynote address from Ambassador Ruby Marks (South Africa’s Ambassador to Benin and Togo, Former Ambassador to Thailand, and High Commissioner to Sri Lanka), whose message challenged attendees to think beyond their circumstances and step into leadership and purpose.

Throughout the day, a diverse range of speakers and partners shared insights across key sectors, including ICT, digital media, entrepreneurship, education pathways, and global employment opportunities.

Featured speakers included MSC Cruises along with Shosholoza Ocean Academy, Nico Pampier-Carrington (Motivational Speaker, Researcher & UN Youth Representative for South Africa), Simbongile Ndlangisa (Founder of Melenial Media), Gracian Maseko (Entrepreneur & Software Engineer), Themba Ndaba (Western Cape Community College) and representatives from CPUT Bursars Office and West Coast College, each offering practical guidance, lived experience, and actionable advice for young people navigating their futures.

Participating institutions such as Cape Peninsula University of Technology, West Coast College, and Western Cape Community Education and Training College further enriched the experience by setting up exhibitions to provide one-on-one direct access to study pathways, bursary information, and career guidance.

Beyond the stage, the conference created space for meaningful engagement through networking and exhibition opportunities, allowing attendees to connect directly with organisations, ask questions, and explore tangible next steps.

Youth Conference announces successful 2911 Accelerator Candidates

A key milestone of the day was the announcement of 33 successful candidates selected for the 2911 Youth Employment & Leadership Accelerator Programme. This 11-month initiative will support participants through mentorship, skills development, well-being support, and career guidance, ensuring that the impact of the conference extends far beyond a single day.

In a moment of recognition and encouragement, Alletta van Sittert (Creating Hope Africa Education Manager) and Ward Councillor Johan Moolman (Bergrivier Municipality) officially handed over the prizes and acknowledged the selected candidates, marking the beginning of their journey into the Accelerator Programme.

The candidates selected for the 2911 Youth Employment & Leadership Accelerator Programme 2026 included Adele Blaauw, Amber Constable, Asenathi Mfamela, Ashwinita Titus, Aubrey Engelbrecht, Chanel Jantjies, Devenay Mentoor, Doné Beukes, Elsa Arries, Fezeka Solabe, Indalo Thomas, Iowena Louw, Jada Saville, Janine Fraser, Jay-Dee Snyders, Jenica Jeneke, Junel Bester, Kaylan Faro, Kwakona Vincent Paliso, Latoya Dampies, Logan Damons, Mamelo Leburu, Minentle Langa, Nontando Balintulo, Nuvaan Pietersen, Pumziwe Mbatani, Rayline Haufschiff, Revlin Don, Siyolise Mandongana, and Yonelisa Fukutha.

Moments of celebration continued throughout, with prize giveaways sponsored by partners including Bergrivier Tourism, Jumpin’ the Gun Creative Studio and Creating Hope Africa, reinforcing a sense of encouragement, recognition, and community spirit.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Creating Hope Africa reaffirmed its commitment to building long-term, place-based solutions that empower young people and strengthen community ecosystems.

“This is only the beginning,” said Dr Maartens. “The real impact lies in what follows – how these young people are supported, connected, and given the tools to move forward with confidence.”

The Velddrif 2911 Youth Conference forms part of Creating Hope Africa’s broader 2911 Programme, which focuses on developing integrated pathways that connect health, skills, opportunity, and sustainable livelihoods.

See more photos from the 2911 Youth Conference 2026 via our gallery:

www.creatinghopeafrica.com/gallery

About Creating Hope Africa

Creating Hope Africa (CHA) is a bridging non-profit development platform working across Africa to enable safeguarded, integrated community ecosystems. Creating Hope Africa connects health, skills development, food security, and livelihoods into sustainable pathways of dignity and socio-economic resilience. CHA operates as an institutional bridge between communities, delivery partners, funders, and implementation platforms, translating capital and partnerships into coherent, place-based systems that endure beyond individual projects.