Choice Mathebula’s First Choice Foundation brings youth voices and community partners together in Klipgat

KLIPGAT, SOUTH AFRICA — First Choice Foundation, founded by Choice Mathebula, brought learners from Fumane Secondary School and community stakeholders together for its Youth Human Rights Symposium on 25 September 2026. The event combined learner debate, panel discussion and commitments to continued collaboration with Bojanala Platinum District Municipality and the Foundation for Human Rights.

Held at Klipgat Community Hall under the theme “Young Voices for Human Rights and Gender Equality,” the symposium explored a question central to the organisation’s work: “Are Human Rights a Lived Reality?”

Young people speak first

Learners from Fumane Secondary School presented arguments for and against the proposition, examining whether rights recognised in law are reflected in young people’s everyday experiences. The team arguing against the proposition won the debate and received the winner’s trophy.

The debate gave learners space to develop arguments, challenge ideas and contribute to a wider discussion about dignity, equality and protection. Their contributions came before the panel discussion, reflecting the symposium’s guiding principle: young people speak first, while stakeholders listen and respond.

The event’s focus included bullying, intimidation, gender-based violence and safety in schools and neighbourhoods, with particular relevance to young people in Selbourne, New Stand and surrounding areas.

In her founder’s welcome, delivered remotely, Choice Mathebula encouraged learners to take ownership of the platform.

“This platform is yours,” she said. “Use it. Speak openly. Ask questions. Challenge ideas respectfully. Tell us what you experience. Tell us what you believe needs to change.”

Alongside her work through First Choice Foundation in South Africa, Mathebula undertakes advocacy for others in the United Kingdom. This work complements her emphasis on listening to people’s concerns, helping their voices be heard and encouraging institutions to respond.

Connecting rights with practical support

The learner debates were followed by a panel discussion, connecting young people’s perspectives with a wider conversation about community support and institutional responsibility.

In her welcome, Mathebula challenged participants to consider what rights mean when a learner is afraid to attend school, experiences intimidation or speaks up but feels unheard. She urged professionals and community leaders to listen in ways that would influence their work beyond the event.

“Human rights cannot exist only in documents. They must become a lived reality,” Mathebula said.

The symposium also recognised learners’ contributions through awards, with the winning team celebrating alongside members of First Choice Foundation. The recognition highlighted the preparation, participation and confidence learners brought to the discussion.

Collaboration beyond the symposium

According to First Choice Foundation, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality and the Foundation for Human Rights agreed to work with the organisation going forward. These commitments provide a basis for further discussions about practical collaboration and continued community engagement.

Building relationships beyond a single event was central to Mathebula’s message.

“For First Choice Foundation, this symposium is not intended to be a once-off conversation,” she said. “It is part of where we are going.”

She outlined FCF’s intention to continue creating spaces for meaningful youth participation and strengthen connections between communities and the institutions that support them. Her welcome emphasised that the symposium’s value would ultimately be measured by what followed: stronger relationships, more accessible support and meaningful responses to young people’s concerns.

Building capacity to serve communities

The symposium took place during First Choice Foundation’s 18-month capacity-building programme supported by Ukusekela and the AIDS Foundation of South Africa. Mathebula acknowledged their support in strengthening the organisation’s ability to serve its communities.

“Capacity building is not simply about strengthening an organisation. It is about strengthening what that organisation is able to do for the people it serves,” she said.

Established in 2017, First Choice Foundation’s work includes human rights and gender equality awareness, gender-based violence and femicide advocacy and support, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Its activities also include referrals and case management, helping people connect with appropriate services. The organisation works to strengthen referral pathways involving health services, social development, SAPS, schools, churches and other community organisations.

First Choice Foundation thanked Fumane Secondary School’s learners, participating stakeholders, its supporters and the team on the ground for contributing to the symposium.

About First Choice Foundation

First Choice Foundation is a South African nonprofit organisation founded by Choice Mathebula in 2017. Through awareness programmes, community dialogues, advocacy, referrals and partnerships, it works to help people understand and exercise their rights and access appropriate support.

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