Africa-Press – Eswatini. For many young people in Eswatini, stigma, discrimination and exclusion remain daily realities. But through shared courage and lived experience, a youth-led organisation is creating safe spaces where young voices are heard, supported and empowered to lead change.
It was founded in June 16, 2025, Resilient Youth Voices (RYV) is driven by bold vision to amplify youth voices in all their diversity and ensure that young people are actively included in conversations that shape their lives and communities.
Established on a date symbolic of youth courage and resistance, the organisation was founded by young activist Mthobisi Mdluli and is guided by the belief that unity is power. Its slogan, “People united under one voice can never be defeated,” reflects its commitment to collective action and shared purpose.
At its core, Resilient Youth Voices provides a safe, united and inclusive platform where adolescents and young people from diverse backgrounds can speak openly, support one another and challenge stigma and discrimination.
The organisation is led by a committed team of young leaders Nkosiyenza Mamba, Siphesihle Sithole, Simphiwe Vilane, Lunga Vilakati, Zinhle Msibi, Silindile Vilakati, Lenhle Dlulu, Busiswa Dlamini, Lindokuhle Mukelo Mntjali and Mdluli representing diverse lived realities.
The leadership includes young people living with HIV, those who are HIV-negative, and young people living with albinism. Rather than allowing stigma to silence them, the team has transformed their experiences into action and advocacy.
Resilient Youth Voices focuses on practical community engagements that empower young people to become confident advocates and peer leaders. Through training and mentorship programmes, the organisation supports adolescents and young people living with HIV to build resilience, leadership skills and self-belief.
Since its formation, RYV has already recorded meaningful progress. The organisation has released two podcast episodes addressing stigma and discrimination in relationships affecting young people living with HIV, creating safe and informative spaces for dialogue. It has also conducted school dialogue sessions, engaging learners on stigma and discrimination within school environments and highlighting the need for inclusive and supportive spaces.
The organisation’s advocacy has extended to tertiary institutions, with members invited to speak on UNESWA FM on issues of stigma and discrimination experienced by students living with HIV. These engagements have helped elevate youth realities into public discourse.
At the beginning of February 2026, Resilient Youth Voices officially kicked off its 2026 programme with a successful in-person meeting that welcomed new members and set strategic goals for the year. The meeting was further strengthened by the presence of a representative from Young Heroes, who commended the organisation’s work and encouraged continued advocacy.
Looking ahead, the organisation plans to expand its reach by recruiting youth from other marginalised groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, sex workers and young people living with disabilities, ensuring that no young person feels excluded or unheard. RYV remains committed to advancing equity over equality while advocating for dignity, inclusion and one united youth voice.
Resilient Youth Voices has called on donors, community leaders, policymakers and development partners to support youth-led advocacy and inclusive education initiatives, noting that investing in young people is key to building stronger, stigma-free communities across Eswatini.
The organisation envisions a society where HIV status does not define opportunity, where albinism does not result in discrimination, and where diversity is embraced as a strength.
