The Active Youth Movement is a call to action for today’s youth—a generation that has become more connected to screens than to each other. We see a world where young people in South Africa are losing the opportunity to be active, to bond, to learn through experience, and to grow into the leaders they were meant to be. At the heart of this movement is a simple idea: getting young people moving, playing, and engaging face-to-face again.

In a time when social media and technology often create invisible barriers between us, the Active Youth Movement strives to break those walls down through a universal language, sports and recreation. It’s about reminding adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) of the joy of being part of a team, the pride in pushing boundaries, and the personal growth that comes from shared experiences on the field, in the arts, or through recreation. Under the YB Foundation, this initiative offers a safe and supportive space for youth to be active, have fun, and connect in meaningful ways that go beyond the screen.

We’re tackling real issues that South Africa’s youth face today—ranging from mental health challenges to the temptation of unhealthy lifestyles. By creating opportunities for young people to participate in sports, recreational activities, and arts, the Active Youth Movement empowers them to make better choices. These are not just games or events; they are life-changing moments where youth can build confidence, resilience, and a sense of community.

For the YB Foundation, this initiative isn’t just about encouraging physical activity. It’s about shaping a brighter, more hopeful future—one where young people are armed with the skills, mindsets, and values they need to tackle life’s many challenges. Whether through a soccer match, a dance-off, or a community project, we are creating spaces for them to learn about teamwork, discipline, respect, and leadership—lessons that will remain long after the final whistle blows or the applause fades. 

More than just an athletic endeavor, the Active Youth Movement aligns with the YB Foundation’s mission to uplift underserved communities. This movement goes beyond physical activity and recreation; it confronts critical social issues that young people in South African townships and villages grapple with—mental health concerns, substance abuse, violence, and gender inequality. Through our initiatives, we aren’t just moving bodies; we’re transforming lives. We’re providing youth with life skills, inspiring them to make more positive choices, and empowering them to break the cycles that hold them back. 

In a world where technology is fast replacing human interaction, the Active Youth Movement brings back the essence of being part of something bigger. It revives not just the physical activity but also the bonds that unite us, the creativity that enriches us, and the culture that grounds us. Under the YB Foundation, this movement is set to reignite the flame of youth empowerment, one game, one dance, and one shared experience at a time.

The Active Youth Movement addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)