We started out in car parks, then
into small back roads and then
onto the busy main roads.
I learnt how much I love to drive!”

By sharing his knowledge and insight, Pang’s mentor has
passed on a life skill that aids in Pang’s empowerment.

GUIDANCE

Now I have a much better
idea of what to expect when
I get a role in theatre.

ADVOCACY

Through an introduction initiated by her mentor,
Zizipho has broadened her networks and furthered
her understanding of the world of theatre

I spent a day at Artscape with
my mentor and Janice Honeyman,
who was directing a play there"

I feel like I am part
of a new family"
-Tsotang

Emotional care and encouragement
often has the biggest impact on the
young people we serve.

SUPPORT

Improved independence . Informed choices. Improved well-being . Healthy practices.

Meet
Destino

Destino has been both a mentee and a mentor in the SAYes programme. In 2015 he joined us as a full-time staff member in the role of mentee liaison. He continues to meet with his mentor from 2012 regularly.

Meet
TSOTANG

Following two years of mentorship through SAYes, Tsotang is now a qualified police officer. He continues to meet with his former mentors. The two can often be found hiking around Cape Town and talking about the future.

Meet
Zizipho

As a two-year mentee in the SAYes TIL programme, Zizipho was able to explore her passion for acting and dancing and focus on goals that would enable her to reach her dreams. After completing her matric, she received a bursary to attend the Magnet Theatre where she currently studies drama. While she stays in contact with her former mentor, Zizipho has also moved into a new role – she’s now the mother of a gorgeous one-year-old boy.

My mentor was like the perfect father-figure for me. I never had a male so close to me in my life. It was so nice to have someone outside the home there for me.

Sithembele

I love that my mentor took the time to teach me how to swim. She nearly saved my life the first time we went to Long Street Baths together.

Savannah

I wanted to run away in the middle of the year but then I thought of the people (including my mentor) that I have in my life that care about me.

Siphosethu

The first thing I loved was job shadowing at my mentor’s work. It was part of my LO (life orientation) assignment. I was nervous at first but it turned out great! It was nice to be out of the house learning new things.

Shurwin

I learned a lot about my mistakes. I lied to my mentor a couple of times and he was clear about the consequences. He told me straight, I musn’t lie to him.

Ricardo

I think about all my mentor relationships I think this one was the most work because it was crunch time; life is really going to change next year.

Penny

For me, it was incredibly strengthening to have someone in my life speak to me so honestly. Someone who was watching me.

Hilda

My mentor helped a lot with my University stuff, open days, applications. With her help I didn’t have to depend on other people.

Dominicia

Improved independence . Informed choices. Improved well-being . Healthy practices.

Meet Destino

Meet TSOTANG

Meet Zizipho

Meet
Destino

Meet
TSOTANG

Meet
Zizipho