#YouthMonth2026: Honouring the legacy shaping tomorrow
"This year marks 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, an important milestone that calls on us to reflect not only on the sacrifices of the past, but also on the responsibility of shaping South Africa's future.
#YouthMonth2026: Lebogang Maleleka is empowering communities and inspiring other youth
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Lebogang Maleleka is deeply passionate about youth empowerment and community development. She serves as a Human Capital Development Officer in the CSIR Youth Forum, where she helped coordinate impactful back-to-school donation drives in 2025 and 2026, benefiting schools and learners in need.
This Youth Month and beyond, we recognise Lebogang as a phenomenal member of #TeamCSIR who is actively driving meaningful social change, both inside and outside the workplace. Read more about Lebogang Maleleka.
#YouthMonth2026: From Shigamani to smarter digital technologies, meet Ntshuu Makondo
Shigamani Village in Malamulele, Limpopo, with its 15 000 residents and sporadic internet access, Ntshuxeko Makondo set out to make a name for himself, first snatching up the best student awards in a couple of categories during his studies and then carving out a career in advanced network technologies, artificial intelligence-driven systems, cybersecurity and next-generation communication networks at the CSIR. Ntshuu, as he is fondly known, is well on his way to saying that he contributed to a smarter, more connected future.
This Youth Month and beyond, we recognise Ntshuu as a phenomenal member of #TeamCSIR who is applying his skills to solve real-world problems and bringing innovation to the fore. Read more about Ntshuu Makondo.
#Youthmonth2026: CSIR Youth driving innovation in transport
Afika Singano (left), Tshothodzo Mukwena (center) and Bonke Nomlala (right).
Young innovators at the CSIR are making impactful changes. Afika Singano, Shothodzo Mukwena and Bonke Nomlala have developed sustainable solutions to improve mobility in the transport sector. This Youth Month and beyond, we recognise Afika, Shothodzo and Bonke Nomlala as phenomenal members of #TeamCSIR who are strengthening their roles as young trailblazers accelerating transport innovation. Read more...
#YouthMonth2026: Junior Mtshali is protecting and empowering communities
Junior Mtshali, a CSIR ICT intern, is also a dedicated and community-minded young person who volunteers with the Crime Prevention Forum (CPF). In his CPF capacity, Junior is active in improving the safety and wellbeing of his and neighbouring communities. This Youth Month and beyond, we recognise Junior as a phenomenal member of #TeamCSIR, for his commitment to public service, demonstrating responsibility, leadership and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Read more about Junior Mtshali.
#YouthMonth 2026: From rural roots to shaping South Africa's digital innovation
From a rural village in the Eastern Cape to the forefront of digital innovation at the CSIR, Zandile Myendeki is helping shape technologies that contribute to a safer and more transparent digital future for South Africa. This Youth Month and beyond, we recognise Zandile as a phenomenal member of #TeamCSIR who is building a career dedicated to research, innovation and digital transformation. Read more about Zandile Myendeki.