About us

Uzwelo Youth Development is a registered non-profit organization (NPO) founded to address the lack of youth leadership training and empowerment in local community contexts. Uzwelo is the Zulu translation of the word compassion. It is this compassion that motivates us to use whatever resources, gifts and talents we have to empower youth, their families and their leaders to be the best they can be. Uzwelo Youth Development (UYD) was birthed from a desire to share theological training obtained through seminary with local children and youth ministry workers who are in practice but did not have the opportunity to obtain such training. UYD aims at engaging with young people in various communities by facilitating sustainable growth through empowerment.

Vision

Our vision is seeing “Empowered children and youth who are transforming their homes, communities and churches.” We have aimed to do this by (mission):

  • Offering training to young leaders who do not otherwise have access to formal education.
  • Furthering mentorship development training to those already educated and active within their contexts.
  • Bridging the generational gaps that exist between parents and children through workshops, mediation and relationship.
  • Enabling youth to explore their passion, gifting and talents, personalities and purpose in life within safe and open contexts.
About us

Meet our team

Board Chairperson

Tertia Smith

Tertia Smith is a passionate high school teacher with seven years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Stellenbosch University, along with postgraduate studies in Education. She has served as Director of Uzwelo Youth Development for 7 years. Her heart is for equipping and empowering young people to thrive. Originally from Atlantis and the youngest of three daughters, Tertia married Mkhululi Smith in 2024. She is a proud aunt to four nieces, and is supported by a strong network of family, church community and friends. Her love for God is evident in her passions for worship, singing, writing, and content creation. She is deeply commited to seeing young people step confidently into their purpose and live out the fullness of their potential.

Managing Director

Shaun Marais

Shaun is married to Nicole, and together they have four lovely children, Oliver, Micah, Joshua and Emily. Shaun grew up in Pietermaritzburg. Shaun has served in youth and children’s ministry for the passed 12 years and holds a MTH in Practical Theology focused on children and youth work. Shaun has a great desire to see children and youth come to know Christ and to have a positive impact in their homes, communities, and churches. Shaun enjoys sport, camping and outdoor adventures.

Researcher

Thokozile Mbaya

Thokozile Mbaya is a multi-skilled and interdisciplinary researcher pursuing her PhD at VID Specialized University in Norway. She is a single parent to a vibrant daughter, Eliana. Thokozile is an Anglican and has been involved in the life of the church as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader and usher. She is passionate about empowering young girls and boys on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Her extensive research experience spans the gender and health sectors, mainly focusing on projects aimed at improving the health of women and girls in South African rural communities in areas of sexual and reproductive health.

ADMINISTRATOR

Taryn Chetty

Taryn Chetty is a youth ministry worker originally from Pietermaritzburg. She is married to Kyle Chetty, the youth pastor at Southpoint Church in Pinelands. Together, they lead InsideOut Youth, a ministry for young people in the community. Taryn is passionate about youth ministry and seeing young people discover their purpose and grow in their relationship with Christ.

Find out more on how to support Uzwelo!