TV Series

With better skills among young South Africans in science, technology, engineering and maths, the country will be able to boost economic growth. As the head of the Moses Kotane Institute, Sakhile Ngcobo is taking this to heart. 

This Sunday's episode of the Play Your Part focuses on South Africans who are helping build a better future through the role they play in securing trade and investment.

Dreaming big, Richard Maponya started out small selling clothing offcuts. Today he owns Maponya Group, with interests in property, retail, horseracing and vehicle sales. The determined entrepreneur also opened Soweto's first major shopping centre, Maponya Mall, in 2007.

Buying locally made goods is not just about patriotism; it's about investing in the country, economic growth and job creation. Leslie Sedibe, head of Proudly SA, says every citizen should buy South African goods every time they shop. It is one way they can play their part for the nation.

Run by PhD candidate Kenalemang Kgoroeadira, Thojane Organic Farm combines traditional African knowledge with modern permaculture techniques to produce retail-worthy organic produce and a sustainable source of income.

Youngsters need to have the difficult conversations around South Africa's future to build on the achievements of their predecessors, says social entrepreneur Luvuyo Mandela.

Sir Stuart Ntlathi developed a microwave-griller combo from recycled appliances when he was just 13 years old. Today he runs the Stuart Ntlathi Science, Engineering & Technology Institute, aiming to put the fun back in science to inspire South African children to follow science-based careers.

Nontsikelelo Qwelane forgets her aching knees when she takes up her chalk at the beginning of a school day. At age 92, after 73 years in front of a classroom, this lifelong teacher insists she is not tired; instead, she is still devoted to her vocation, and her pupils.  

After South African reggae artist Lucky Dube was gunned down in 2007, local musicians Danny K and Kabelo Mabelane decided to release a single to help fund crime-fighting projects in the country.

Watching planes take off and land at Port Elizabeth International Airport inspired a passion for flying in Oyama Matomela; today she is one of South Africa's youngest pilots at just 23, and was the first woman to qualify as a pilot through an Eastern Cape bursary scheme.