JiK’iZinto is emerging as a powerful movement, giving a voice to the next generation of young South African women facing employment, safety, and education challenges. Co-created with South African youth and supported by the global non-profit Girl Effect, JiK’iZinto isn’t just a programme—it’s a rallying cry for young people across the country to shape their futures with confidence and resilience.

In a world where systemic barriers often limit opportunities, JiK’iZinto is here to help young women overcome the obstacles in their paths and empower them to redefine their stories.

South African women, especially the youth, are up against harsh realities: unemployment rates for young women have reached almost 50%, and safety concerns are an ever-present threat. In a society grappling with gender-based violence and socio-economic inequality, the need for real, accessible support has never been greater. JiK’iZinto understands this urgency and is designed to offer resources, guidance, and a sense of community for young people, especially women, to help them navigate these challenges.

At its core, JiK’iZinto aims to inspire and empower young women to make informed decisions about their lives, health, and futures. Leveraging the power of music, multimedia, and digital platforms, JiK’iZinto reaches young people where they are—online and in their communities. The initiative’s anthem, Iskhath’ Sam Manje, brings together South Africa’s top talents, DJ KMAT, Dee Koala, and Boohle, creating a song that feels like both a celebration and a declaration.

It’s an energetic reminder to every young person in South Africa: This is your time. With relatable content and role models, JiK’iZinto speaks directly to young people’s experiences and aspirations. The Be the First web series, for example, features inspiring South Africans like rapper Dee Koala, activist Amonge Sinxoto, and comedian Khanyisa Unfiltered, each sharing their personal journeys and the pivotal moments that shaped them. Through these stories, JiK’iZinto gives voice to the challenges and triumphs of young people across the country, emphasizing resilience, empowerment, and the possibility of change.

JiK’iZinto’s reach goes beyond inspiration—it provides practical resources through its accessible web platform, which is designed to work seamlessly on mobile devices even in low-data environments. Here, young women can find crucial information on topics that directly impact their lives, including mental health, relationships, career advice, and sexual and reproductive health. This digital space is more than just a website; it’s a lifeline for those seeking guidance, offering knowledge and support that can make all the difference.

For many young South African women, navigating personal health and safety is a daily challenge.

JiK’iZinto gives them the tools to make informed choices, seek help, and build a foundation of confidence. This kind of support is essential in a world where misinformation and limited access can put young women at a disadvantage. With JiK’iZinto, these young women now have a reliable, youth-friendly source of information that respects their experiences and empowers them to take control.

Through every anthem, web series, and digital resource, JiK’iZinto is committed to helping young women thrive. By meeting youth where they are and understanding their unique experiences, JiK’iZinto is creating a movement that doesn’t just empower young women—it equips them to be leaders in their communities, ready to push back against the limitations imposed by societal barriers. It’s a movement that says ‘you don’t have to be held back by the world around you’. You have the power to make your own path.

In a world where young women’s safety and opportunities often feel uncertain, JiK’iZinto offers something invaluable: hope, support, and the chance to shape a future that reflects their dreams and ambitions. This is a programme that doesn’t just talk about change—it makes it possible.