UKZN Alumnus Inspiring Youth Through YouTube TV Show
Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Supply Chain graduate, Mr Thabile Mdeni - in partnership with the UKZN student-led marketing company, Ignitemarpro - have created a platform for people to tell stories about their pre- and post-education journeys to encourage the youth.
The platform is the Impumelelo TV Show which launched on YouTube in February and currently has 735 subscribers after two episodes, which recorded a combined total viewership of more than 4 000.
Mdeni, who holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies and a similar qualification in Management, says the show was inspired by UKZN graduates sharing their stories of how they overcame challenges.
‘I have interacted with many young students and graduates who have faced the same challenges I had during my many years at university. From our disadvantaged backgrounds to our lack of finances, we had to find ways to stay motivated and did so partly by sharing our experiences.
‘The TV show started during dark times for young people because of the global pandemic and we hope this will motivate them to reach their potential,’ said Mdeni.
Despite facing financial challenges, Mdeni says the plan is to grow the initiative.
‘The focus for now is to improve and grow the Impumelelo TV show by partnering with Yethu Scholars, an NPO-founded and directed by a fellow UKZN alumnus. When the YouTube programme matures and establishes itself, a deserving UKZN student from a disadvantaged background will have their tuition fully paid for as well as receive mentorship as way of adding some value for our viewers.’
View Impumelelo TV Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfNG-bNmr8I&t=7s
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied