Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg · Est. 2018
A youth-run NPO transforming lives through education, advocacy, and socio-economic development across the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal.
Explore Our Programmes
History & Background
Umzansi Youth in Business was established in 2018 after being granted a property in Sweetwaters by Inkosi YaKwaMpumuza and the Department of Education. Originally focused on entrepreneurial training, UYB evolved into a holistic Youth Development Centre.
Today the centre addresses social behavioural change alongside the skills, attitudes and values necessary for entrepreneurship or employment — restoring the dignity of socially and economically vulnerable youth, with a special focus on rural areas and townships.
Young people and children enjoy equitable, healthy and happy relationships, able to contribute to a just and democratic society and the recovery of South Africa's economy.
To transform the youth sector by building a conscious and capable youth citizenry through developmental youth programs that address the whole person.
We embrace Ubuntu — "Ubuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" — committed to serving our community with respect and professionalism, being the change we wish to see.
Our Pledge
What We Do
Creates a safe environment for young people to form friendships and discuss HIV prevention, unplanned pregnancy, and governance through school debating societies.
Encourages young women aged 15–24 to engage in dialogues about teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, HIV, and women's hygiene awareness campaigns.
An evidence-based HIV prevention programme for parents and caregivers of pre-adolescents (9–12), enhancing protective parenting and parent-child communication about sexual health.
Mobilises men and boys to activate HIV prevention, increase ART uptake, and combat rape culture and gender-based violence through advocacy campaigns.
Targets adolescents to prevent substance dependency, educate communities, develop caring environments, and provide alternative leisure through sport and arts.
Engages households and stakeholders through collaborative activities — profiling communities, mapping assets, and building referral networks for long-term, sustainable outcomes.
Delivers career guidance, vocational training, life skills, entrepreneurship, financial management, and a resource centre with internet access and job application support.
Includes a KeMoja puppet show for pre-schoolers, peer educator programme, parents & caregivers sessions, and holiday programmes promoting healthy behaviour.
Who We Serve
Marginalized young people between the ages of 13 and 35 residing in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal — particularly those facing compounded social and economic barriers.
How We Work
We work with people of all backgrounds regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic status.
Our work is conducted with integrity. We do not promise what we cannot deliver, maintaining honest relationships with communities.
We engage communities in planning and reviewing our work. Our AGM gives communities an opportunity to actively participate in UYB's direction.
We recognize and respect community practices, traditions, and languages. We value the knowledge that exists within the communities we serve.
We value the privacy of every person we work with. Staff are prohibited from sharing individual personal information without permission.
We prohibit any form of harassment within the organization and encourage respect and professionalism across all staff interactions.
Leadership
Get In Touch
Contact person: Mr. Mbongeni Zuma