SADI CARES
A Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative
Youth Empowerment Seminar Series Framework
“Bridging the Gap Between Communities, Education and Opportunity”
Key Seminar Areas
Many young people struggle not because they lack potential, but because they have never been taught how to present themselves professionally.
Key topics include CV writing, interview preparation, workplace etiquette, communication skills, job search strategies, LinkedIn basics, email professionalism and how to identify real opportunities versus scams.
This is critical for youth who may not immediately find employment. The seminar focuses on starting small, using available resources and building sustainable income streams.
Topics include identifying business ideas in one’s community, pricing, basic record keeping, customer care, marketing with social media, managing cash flow, registering a small business, and learning how to grow without unnecessary debt.
Young people need practical money skills early. This should not be technical; it should be simple and life-based.
Topics include budgeting, saving, avoiding debt traps, understanding credit, responsible borrowing, stokvels, bank accounts, mobile money, building financial discipline and separating personal money from business money.
Digital access is now directly linked to opportunity. Even basic digital confidence can change a young person’s prospects.
Topics include using email, online applications, basic Microsoft Office or Google Workspace skills, online learning platforms, digital safety, using AI responsibly, freelancing platforms, and how to use the internet to learn, earn and connect.
Many young people from disadvantaged communities carry emotional, social and confidence barriers. They need encouragement, but also practical tools.
Topics include self-awareness, discipline, goal setting, resilience, decision-making, personal branding, public speaking, confidence building, overcoming rejection and building a growth mindset.
Some youth may not know what options exist beyond university. This seminar exposes them to different education and training routes.
Topics include TVET colleges, learnerships, apprenticeships, short courses, bursaries, internships, online certificates, vocational skills and how to choose a learning path that matches one’s talents and circumstances.
SADI uses this approach to nurture young people as future leaders, not just job seekers.
Topics include servant leadership, ethical decision-making, community participation, volunteerism, social responsibility, active citizenship, respect for public institutions and how youth can become problem-solvers in their own communities.
Sustaining oneself is not only about money. Many young people are dealing with stress, pressure, trauma, unemployment anxiety and family responsibilities.
Topics include mental wellness, healthy relationships, substance abuse awareness, dealing with peer pressure, emotional resilience, self-care and knowing where to seek help.
This is especially useful for youth transitioning into adulthood.
Topics include time management, conflict resolution, basic legal awareness, tenant rights, workplace rights, understanding contracts, personal safety, communication, decision-making and problem-solving.
One of the biggest gaps between privileged and less developed communities is access to people who can guide, open doors and share real experience.
This seminar connects youth with professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, graduates and community role models. It includes mentorship circles, career talks, “my journey” sessions, and practical Q&A panels.
For safeguarding, accountability and responsible programme administration, shortlisted applicants may be requested to submit a recent police clearance certificate or consent to basic background verification where necessary.
Where police clearance is not immediately available, SADI may consider alternative screening measures, such as a community reference, school reference, church/community leader reference, or signed declaration of good conduct.
Application to the SADI Cares Youth Empowerment Seminar Series is free of charge. Due to limited space, only 20 participants will be selected per session. Selection will be based on eligibility, motivation, need and commitment to attend the full programme.
Final selected participants will be contacted directly by SADI with confirmation of the seminar date, venue details and programme requirements.
Applications and enquiries for the SADI Cares Youth Empowerment Seminar Series should be submitted to:
Linda Mtunzi
Email: pr@saditraining.com
The seminars will be conducted bi-weekly as part of the SADI Cares youth empowerment programme. Confirmed seminar dates will be communicated directly to selected participants and may also be shared through SADI’s official communication platforms.
To ensure that all participants are able to engage fully in the learning activities, basic stationery will be provided during the seminar. Participants are encouraged to come prepared, participate actively and make full use of the learning materials provided.
All selected participants will be expected to observe SADI’s code of conduct throughout the seminar. This includes:
- Arriving on time and attending the full one-day session.
- Participating actively, respectfully and constructively.
- Treating facilitators, staff, fellow participants and SADI property with respect.
- Avoiding disruptive, discriminatory, abusive or inappropriate behaviour.
- Following all safety, access and administrative instructions provided by SADI.
- Using the opportunity responsibly and representing the spirit of the SADI Cares initiative with dignity.
SADI reserves the right to remove any participant whose conduct undermines the safety, dignity or learning experience of others.
As part of programme reporting, awareness and social impact communication, SADI may take photographs, videos or collect short testimonials during the seminar.
Selected participants may therefore be requested to provide consent for the use of their image, voice, name, testimonial or participation story in SADI Cares publications, reports, website updates, newsletters, social media posts and other official communication platforms.
Participation in media activities will be handled respectfully and in line with dignity, privacy and responsible communication principles.
To recognise your commitment to personal growth and skills development, all participants who attend the SADI Cares Youth Empowerment Seminar Series will receive a Certificate of Participation from Southern Africa Development Institute.
This certificate will serve as a meaningful acknowledgement of their attendance, learning journey and exposure to practical empowerment sessions designed to support their personal, educational and professional development. It may also be used to strengthen their personal portfolios, CVs and future applications for learning, internship, volunteer or work opportunities.
The SADI Cares Youth Empowerment Seminar Series will be hosted at the Southern Africa Development Institute offices in Brooklyn, Pretoria, providing participants with exposure to a professional learning environment that is welcoming, accessible and inspiring.
Each seminar will run as a one-day practical empowerment session, carefully designed to deliver meaningful knowledge, encouragement and life-changing insights in a compact and impactful format.
To ensure that participants are comfortable and fully engaged throughout the day, lunch and refreshments will be served. This reflects SADI’s commitment to creating not only a learning experience, but a warm, dignified and supportive space for young people to connect, grow and be empowered.
To preserve the quality, intimacy and practical value of the programme, each SADI Cares Youth Empowerment Seminar will be limited to 20 young people per session.
This will allow for meaningful engagement, personal interaction, mentorship-style conversations and adequate attention to each participant.
The initiative is intended for young people from less developed communities who are eager to learn, grow and access practical knowledge that can support their personal, educational and professional development.
Applicants should preferably meet the following criteria:
- Be a young person between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
- Be currently unemployed, underemployed, studying, seeking opportunities, or trying to start a small income-generating activity.
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in self-development, employability, entrepreneurship, leadership or community upliftment.
- Be available to attend the full one-day seminar at the SADI offices in Brooklyn, Pretoria.
- Be willing to participate actively, respectfully and constructively throughout the session.
- A copy of their South African ID, passport or valid form of identification.
- A short motivation letter explaining why they would like to attend the seminar and how they hope the programme will benefit them.
- A brief CV or personal profile, where available.
- Proof of residence or a short confirmation of the community they come from.
- Contact details, including cellphone number and email address where available.
Download our Youth Seminar brochure here
SADI CARES
Vision Statement
SADI Cares is a social responsibility initiative of Southern Africa Development Institute aimed at bridging the gap between communities, education and professional opportunity. Through practical youth empowerment seminars, the initiative seeks to equip young people from less developed communities with the knowledge, confidence, skills and exposure needed to pursue employment, entrepreneurship, education and responsible citizenship.
