Our Vision

To unlock the greatness that exists inside our youth, so that they can unlock the greatness that exists within their communities.

A blueprint for sustainable local empowerment

At its essence, Imagine Scholar is driven by the conviction that untapped talent is the most potent resource in South Africa, and it is waiting to be harnessed for the greater good.

The Imagine Scholar approach is elegantly straightforward. We cast a wide net to identify young minds eager to seize control of their destinies and commit to something larger than themselves. Once identified, we embark on a transformative journey with these individuals, equipping them with a robust toolkit of skills and mindsets crucial for leadership in the future.

Our emphasis lies in fostering a sincere sense of community and collective responsibility, instilling a shared vision for the kind of South Africa we aspire to create.

Our Principal Questions

01

Is this the right thing?

03

Is this excellence?

02

Is this kind?

04

Does this story empower me?

Our Alumni Team

At the heart of Imagine Scholar's transformative impact lies a unique and powerful feature: its coaching staff, composed entirely of alumni who have returned to their roots to catalyze a cycle of positive change.

These nine remarkable individuals, once students of the program themselves, have chosen to come back to their community, embodying the very essence of what is achievable. Their presence is a living testament to the potential that lies within each student and the community at large.

For every child who meets them, the message is vivid and inspiring: "What is possible for them, is possible for me." Coming from the same backgrounds, facing similar challenges, and now standing as pillars of success and empowerment. They are creating ripples of positive change that promise to truly and sustainably impact their community and the world.

This is what Imagine Scholar means to them:

Banele Nkalanga

At Imagine Scholar, we don't just dream of change, we actively pursue it, shaping a brighter future for our communities.

Carol Sithole

The IS mission resonates deeply with my passion to empower individuals to discover their unique strengths and enact impactful change in the world.

Constance Manana

Imagine Scholar inspires me because it focuses on lifelong learning, innovation, and a sense of community. It creates a space for all to work together to make a positive impact.

Marcos Tibane

Imagine Scholar is a community where your ideas matter, and your number one job is to grow and evolve your thinking.

Noluthando Nkuna

Imagine Scholar inspires me as it reinforces the belief that I am a multitude capable of effecting change and taking ownership of my life's journey.

Thenjiwe Ndimande

It is an honour to witness students uncover their potential as they discover their purpose and passions.

Zinzi Nsingwane

It’s a privilege to be a part of a journey and a community where every moment is infused with purpose and possibility.

Zodwa Madonsela

What inspires me about the Imagine Scholar mission is that it empowers people with a radical mindset shift that opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.

Our Programs

Unlike conventional models, our commitment extends beyond short-term goals. We guide our students through a 16-year coaching journey, focusing not solely on individual success but on nurturing a collective force for social impact. We empower Imagine Scholars with the skills and resources they need to remove the systematic chokes that keep them from creating new or tapping into existing opportunities. When they are ready, we act as seed investors and business coaches to bring their social and entrepreneurial projects to life. What began as an audacious dream 14 years ago is now materializing into a tangible reality. Imagine Scholar stands as a testament to the potential for replicable, scalable models that can redefine the trajectory of any community willing to invest deeply in its youth.

Starting with the end in mind, we design and evaluate our curriculum based on these eight traits.

Start with an end in mind - Imagine Scholar - Our Approach

A Week in the Life of an Imagine Scholar

What We Do:

High School Program

Our outreach program provides critical foundational skills and mindsets through light touch programs. We invite deeply engaged participants to join our personal coaching program, which takes place for two hours a week at local schools. In these sessions, we focus on cultivating their dedication, accountability, and sincere commitment to challenge themselves.

The most passionate, committed students are invited to our intensive on-campus program, a comprehensive 26-hour weekly commitment. We are not looking for academic achievers but those demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for hard work and personal growth. This stage combines hands-on, experiential learning with coaching to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By integrating project-based learning and ideation training, we enable young individuals to transform ideas into tangible outcomes. Here, students also balance their time with local public school attendance, embedding a robust sense of individual agency, excellence, and identity.

What We Do:

Legacy Program

Our Legacy program is what comes after Imagine Scholar students graduate from high school. It is a dynamic initiative tailored for youth aged 18-30, encompassing those navigating university, embarking on their early careers, or initiating impactful ventures. At its core, the Legacy program strives to achieve dual objectives: first, to foster personal and professional flourishing, and second, to cultivate a self-sustaining network dedicated to profound social impact.

Our organization's lasting legacy is embodied by the remarkable youth who return to the Nkomazi community as catalysts for change. These individuals, having thrived in their personal and professional journeys, are now the driving force behind businesses, social ventures, and community leadership initiatives. We firmly believe that inspired young leaders represent the most impactful and sustainable avenue for local change across all sectors (health, education, entrepreneurship, etc). Our high school program serves as the incubator propelling this long-term impact, ensuring a legacy of positive transformation resonates throughout society.