Darren Maule visits the KZN Integrated Youth Camp
From promise to purpose! Darren Maule visited a youth leadership camp in iSimangaliso, following up on East Coast Radio and Kagiso Tiso Holdings' commitment to empowering KZN’s youth
After wrapping up Wednesday morning’s East Coast Breakfast Show, Darren Maule hit the road for a special visit to one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most iconic Ezemvelo Wildlife campsites – Sodwana Bay, nestled within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
While this World Heritage Site is renowned for its sport fishing, scuba diving, and snorkelling, Darren’s trip had nothing to do with adventure and everything to do with purpose.
The nine-hour round trip wasn’t just a scenic drive. It was a promise fulfilled from a commitment Darren made back in 2024 when East Coast Radio became involved in the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Integrated Youth Development Strategy.
Launched in early November last year, the Integrated Youth Development Strategy, spearheaded by the Department of Social Development (DSD), aims to empower the province’s youth to become resilient, self-reliant, and actively engaged in building their communities.
At the launch, ECR managing director Mzuvele Mthethwa announced a R500,000 donation from East Coast Radio and Kagiso Tiso Holdings to support the initiative’s goals.
“We recognise that this strategy isn’t just about providing resources, but about equipping our young people with the tools and skills they need to navigate and succeed in a rapidly evolving world," Mzuvele said.
"Our commitment is not simply financial; it’s a dedication to building a stronger, more resilient generation prepared for both the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”
Darren, who MC’d the event, was deeply moved.
“I remember promising the DSD team to stay in touch and follow the stories I knew would come out of it. That night, long after the speeches ended, Anna and I stayed back and spoke to some of the youth. They opened up about their challenges, their dreams… and I knew we had to keep this connection alive.”
Fast forward to this week – Darren joined a leadership camp in iSimangaliso, where 56 inspiring young people are taking part in a transformative programme under the strategy.
The initiative includes skills development through Youth Development Centres and Academies in partnership with TVET Colleges, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and Ezemvelo Wildlife.
Students go through a three-day leadership camp, followed by structured business management training to nurture future entrepreneurs.
“To date, over 800 young people have passed through these camps,” Darren says.
“This week, I met students training to become electricians, chefs, and even entrepreneurs through sewing and garment production courses. The camp experience is packed with team building, behaviour change sessions, and environmental education.”
One memorable moment for Darren was sitting around a bonfire, deep in the forest, chatting with students late into the night. Despite limited signal, the stories he captured made it to the Breakfast Show the very next morning.
“We aired interviews with Shahil, an electrical student from Phoenix, and Nicole, a young chef from Wentworth. Within hours, my producer WR van der Merwe, Carmen, and Sky were sharing their voices with our listeners. That’s the magic of radio.”
On Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal Honorable MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, joined the camp for a heartfelt morning filled with motivational talks, music, celebration, and powerful student testimonials.
Darren wrapped up his visit filled with inspiration and plans for what’s next.
“I’ll be reuniting with this same group in May in Wentworth to witness their coursework assessments. Then in June [Youth Month], I’ll be back to see them graduate. The growth I’ve seen is remarkable. These young adults have opened up to me in a way that’s raw and real. They’ve shared their fears, their triumphs, and what this programme means to them.”
And what’s the phrase Darren keeps hearing? “This experience has given me hope.”
“There are 56 incredible stories from this week alone and we could easily do a podcast series on just this one group. These aren’t just students, they’re changemakers. And being part of their journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet.
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
Follow us on social media:
· TikTok