**SayPro Neftaly Malatjie message on 2023 South African Youth Day Message to the Staff and Clients

Description

I want to send my most profound appreciation for your fantastic work for the youth.

To the clients, I say congratulations that, as a youth, you are part of us.

Today 16 June 2023, is the day I, Neftaly Malatjie, thought of starting the Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project.

I was doing Grade 10 at the age of 12. It was on a Wednesday after I was in class on the previous Saturday, 13 June 2005, in Phiri, Soweto.

I then started a the Diepsloot Youth Arts and culture project to keep young people busy after school.

I never knew how the future would be, but I knew that one day the Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project would immensely impact young people aged 12 – 35.

Indeed today, on June 16, 2023, we are a living testimony and the heirs to the pain suffered by the team who volunteered at no pay at the same Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project.

To the youth at SayPro, I wish to remind you that we did not get here because of luck. People have worked very hard and have sacrificed. More than 500 people who contributed to the organization’s growth have quit.

I often wanted to quit because I was hungry, stressed, and emotional.

So today, as you celebrate South African Youth Day, remember that we, the founders of the Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project and the Southern Africa Youth Project, have suffered from being where we are.

Please take care of your jobs so they can care for you.

Enjoy the 2023 South African Youth Day and celebrate the fantastic work you have done for the youth of South Africa.

As the founder, I thank you once again.

I could not do this without your support.

Neftaly Malatjie