Neftaly Malatjie, born in 1991 in the rural community of Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, South Africa, is a dedicated social entrepreneur with a deep commitment to youth development and community empowerment. His journey into social development began at the age of 11 when he worked with AKANI, a childcare and support group for children.
In 2005, at just 14 years old, Neftaly founded Diepsloot Youth Projects (DYP) in the impoverished area of Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg. Utilizing his savings from part-time jobs, he aimed to address the challenges faced by local youth. DYP focuses on income-generating programs that enable young people to engage in business opportunities, providing training in entrepreneurship, business skills, computer literacy, and life skills. The organization has positively impacted over 3,000 young individuals, helping many secure employment or start their own businesses.
Neftaly’s dedication and innovative approach to social entrepreneurship have earned him recognition, including being named a finalist for the Anzisha Prize in 2013. In the same year, he received a R200,000 award from the Rand Water Foundation to support his initiatives.
Building on his passion for creating solutions, Neftaly founded SayPro in 2011. SayPro is a corporate business offering a range of solutions for corporate businesses, government departments, non-profit organizations, individuals, and communities. Under his leadership, SayPro has grown to serve over 100,000 people daily, providing services such as digital marketing, job placement, and skills development.
Neftaly’s work exemplifies the impact of social entrepreneurship in addressing community challenges and empowering youth. His initiatives continue to inspire and create opportunities for many in South Africa and beyond
For a more personal insight into Neftaly’s journey and vision, you can watch his 2013 Anzisha Prize finalist interview:
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