June: Anathi Makhendlana (14 ALPHA)

In 2014, I was simply sitting at home doing nothing. My mom’s colleague Mr. Zingani Tshefu, who is currently Regional Inspector at Overstrand Municipality, invited the youth in Hermanus to bring their qualifications so that he could take them to Cape Town for interviews. I jumped at the opportunity and together with 15 youth from Hermanus, arrived dressed to kill – because we were in need of work. Unfortunately, only six of us were successful: myself from Zwelihle, one from Kleinmond, two from Hawston and two from Mount Pleasant.

I graduated from Chrysalis Academy on 2 August 2014 and started my internship two days later at the Overstrand Law Enforcement.  During my internship I completed a few trainings and qualified as a Basic Fire Fighter, Peace Officer, First Aid Level 3 and Tourist Guide.

In October 2016, I became interested in working with youth and I realized that there was only one place to go where I had already been taught so much – Chrysalis Academy. I applied as a Junior Youth Instructor Intern and got the position.  In December of that year, I began my training under the legend, Mr. Anville Van Wyk and initially I was nervous. But by January 2017, I started my internship at Chrysalis. In the same year, two junior posts were advertised and by God’s grace, I was given one of the positions, despite my relative inexperience.

Chrysalis Academy took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity. They also gave me the chance to participate in the City of Cape Town Peace Officer class, National Youth Development Facilitation class as well as Trauma Release Exercise (TRE) Class.

In October 2019, a senior post was advertised and I applied for it without fear or hesitation. I jumped for this job because it came at the right time and I knew I was ready for the position. Through the support of my colleagues and management, I got the position. I am thankful for the guidance of one of my colleagues, Mr. Roderick George who has been a mentor to me from the time I began working at Chrysalis. Today, I’m still working with the youth of South African to unleash their potential and become leaders and ambassadors of South Africa tomorrow.

I express heartfelt thanks to everyone at Chrysalis Academy.

I'm currently working via my phone supporting graduates who are working and not working because of this COVID-19 pandemic, we all know that we need to wear a mask when heading out, maintain a 1.5 meter social distance, wash our hands for 20 seconds but the best way is for us to stay at home. Let's save lives of our parents, sisters, brothers, grandparents and communities by staying at home.