August 2026 - IAHV South Africa

We had the honour of welcoming Neeshan Balton, Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, to the 1860 Heritage Garden Project.

Neeshan was in Durban to speak at the unveiling of the Babita Deokaran Monument, and we were delighted that he took the time to visit the garden and learn more about this special heritage project.

During the tour, we shared the story and vision behind the garden, and how an once-overgrown and neglected space is gradually being transformed into a vibrant indigenous garden – rooted in heritage, community and remembrance.

At the end of the tour, Neeshan was most pleased and pleasantly surprised to discover that there is much more to the garden than meets the eye. What may initially appear to be a garden is, in fact, a living project with layers of history, meaning and purpose.

The 1860 Heritage Garden continues to grow, evolve and take shape through the dedication of everyone involved and the support of those who believe in its vision.

We are grateful to Neeshan for taking the time to visit and for his interest and encouragement. Visits such as these remind us of the importance of preserving our heritage while creating something meaningful for future generations.

🌿 The garden continues to grow – and so does its story.

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV), in partnership with the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and Mpilo Park, successfully hosted its second Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) of 2026 from 20–26 July 2026. The programme was made possible through a collaborative partnership with Projekt Ubuntu and Masi Creative Hub, bringing together organisations and community leaders committed to empowering South Africa’s youth.

This marks the second YLTP held in the Masiphumelele community, following the successful pilot programme launched in October 2025. Building on that foundation, this year’s training continued to equip young people with the practical skills, confidence and resilience needed to become leaders within their communities.

The intensive seven-day programme combined personal transformation with practical life skills. During the first three days, participants explored tools to release stress and trauma, strengthen emotional intelligence and develop greater self-awareness through mind management techniques. The following two days focused on work readiness, employability, skills development and entrepreneurship, preparing participants for future opportunities in the workplace and beyond. The programme concluded with two inspiring days dedicated to community service, giving participants the opportunity to put their leadership into action by serving others before celebrating their achievements at the graduation ceremony.

IAHV extends its sincere gratitude to the programme’s generous sponsors and supporters, whose contributions made the training possible. These include Projekt Ubuntu, The Protea Project, The Renata Salomone Institute, Black Media, and local sponsors and contributors Claire Konemann, Derrick Rosslind, Shamiera Daniels and Ismet Amot.

A special thank you also goes to the inspirational guest speakers and industry experts who generously shared their knowledge and experience with the participants:

Chaira Jepta – Next Gen Gender Advocates
Dr Ashley Eva Millar – The Protea Project
Gary Cooper – Roots Interns

One of the highlights of the programme was the Pay It Forward Community Day. YLTP participants joined an Indaba hosted by Masi Creative Hub, where they presented their personal experiences of the Youth Leadership Training Program to members of their community. The graduates also played an active role in supporting the event through marshalling, serving food and assisting with community gardening activities, demonstrating the importance of leadership through service.

Candice Horgan Ryan was invited to participate as a panellist during the Indaba, which was attended by approximately 200 community members. The event provided an opportunity for the graduates to share their journeys while inspiring others to recognise the potential that exists within their own community.

After seven transformative days, 25 young leaders graduated from the programme, each equipped with practical skills, renewed confidence and a stronger sense of purpose. These graduates now join a growing network of YLTP alumni who are committed to creating positive change in their own lives, their communities and society as a whole.

At IAHV, we believe that when young people are empowered with the right tools, guidance and opportunities, they become catalysts for lasting social transformation. We congratulate all 25 graduates on this important milestone and look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will continue to make.