As we are in the middle of August which is a celebration of a women month. These trailblazers broke down barriers and, achieve leaving a profound impact on sports, academia, modelling and entrepreneurship. This will serve as inspiration to other young people out there.

Celebrating Strength, Leadership, and the Impact of Young Women in South Africa Every year during August, South Africa commemorates Women's Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the resilience, achievements, and invaluable contributions of women to society. The month pays tribute to the historic Women's March of 9 August 1956, when more than 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the apartheid government's pass laws. Their courageous act became a defining moment in South Africa's struggle for freedom, equality, and human rights. The famous slogan, "Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo" ("You strike a woman, you strike a rock"), continues to symbolize the unwavering strength, courage, and determination of South African women. Today, Women's Month is not only a remembrance of the past but also a call to accelerate gender equality, empower women and girls, and eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination.

Can active citizenship help address service-delivery failures, or are citizens being forced to do government's job? Active Citizenship: Building the South Africa We Want and waiting for the government As South Africa faces ongoing service-delivery and infrastructure challenges, some citizens are choosing to take action rather than wait for government. In this episode of Expressions, we meet ordinary South Africans using their own skills and resources to improve their communities.

Initiation Culture: Pride and joy as Ndebele initiate who left home as a boy two months ago returns as a man Initiation Culture, which is a rite of passage into adulthood, has become a contentious issue in South Africa because of the high number of deaths and injuries. Initiation school is meant to be a place where boys become men. But some return as 'nothing' and have to live with the devastating effects.

The Youth of South Africa Beyond Nelson Mandela Month: Making a Positive Impact in Their Communities Every year, South Africans commemorate Nelson Mandela Month in July by dedicating time to community service and acts of kindness in honour of the life and legacy of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Young people constitute a significant portion of South Africa's population and represent the country's greatest asset for sustainable development and social transformation. Despite facing numerous challenges such as unemployment, poverty, crime, substance abuse, gender-based violence, inequality, and limited access to quality education, many young South Africans continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination in improving their communities. Their energy, innovation, and passion position them as powerful agents of positive change.

It has been 17 years since Mandela Day was launched, inspiring people to dedicate 67 minutes to serving others. But what happens beyond Mandela Day? In this special Mandela Month episode of Expressions, we meet inspiring young South Africans who are making a difference in their communities every day—not for recognition, but because they believe in creating positive change. To celebrate Mandela Month by highlighting young South Africans who are making a meaningful difference in their communities through acts of service and leadership. It aims to inspire viewers to embrace the values of ubuntu, active citizenship and community involvement beyond Mandela Day. The episode also explores how the next generation is carrying Nelson Mandela's legacy forward by creating positive change in modern-day South Africa.

In spite of structural failures, young people should not be discouraged to participate so that they can choose right candidates who are fit and proper to represent them, they must take part in some leadership roles as well. Expressions asks whether young people can lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference in their communities as ward councillors.

As Youth Month comes to a close, South Africans are reminded of the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the young people who led the historic Soweto Uprising. Youth Month, commemorated annually in June, honours the legacy of those who fought against apartheid and highlights the ongoing role of young people in shaping the nation's future. As Youth Month concludes, the call remains for all sectors of society to invest in young people's potential, create meaningful opportunities, and support youth-led innovation. The month serves not only as a remembrance of the past but also as a commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous future driven by the energy, creativity, and leadership of South Africa's youth.