The Vaal Triangle is a town which is nestled in the south of Johannesburg. Its community has made an extensive contribution to the history and struggle of South Africa. Two of its townships, Sharpeville and Boipatong are known for enduring two of the most gruesome massacres in 1960 and 1992 respectively. With the Vaal being the birthplace of the Constitution of South Africa, The Vaal Leadership Academy intends using the sombre memory of Apartheid to make the youth aware what the struggle was for and make them rise from its ashes.

Since its informal formation in 2013, the Academy has worked with a number of township schools and youth. The organisation’s first programme involved reading and writing workshops for Grade 3 learners at Orange Farm Primary School. On 16 March 2017, a concert was hosted at Hoerskool Drie Riviere. With the assistance of the Austrian Embassy, the concert comprised two classical pianists from Austria as well as local youth.

The aim of the organisation is not only to make opportunities and information more accessible but also to inculcate a culture on the initiative for the youth to create a future they envisage. We also want to open the doors for individuals and other organisations to be a part of the solution in developing our youth.