July 2, 2025 – Johannesburg, South Africa
SayPro, a leading social development organisation dedicated to empowering youth across Africa, has announced a strategic shift in its approach to collaboration with non-profit organisations (NPOs). This comes at a time when the role of collaborative action in tackling complex socio-economic challenges is more vital than ever.
At the heart of this decision is a powerful message from SayPro’s CEO, Neftaly Malatjie, a recognised voice in youth development and empowerment. In a public address delivered to stakeholders, partners, and aspiring social entrepreneurs, Malatjie said:
“You have dreams. I had that dream too. There are no shopping centres for dreams — make sure you continue to be strong.”
These words encapsulate SayPro’s ethos: resilience, vision, and the belief that dreams — no matter how ambitious — must be pursued through perseverance, not convenience.
A New Direction for Collaboration
SayPro’s decision to expand and formalise collaboration with both local and international NPOs is not merely strategic; it’s mission-driven. The organisation has long believed that transformation in youth development cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires collective intelligence, shared resources, and aligned goals. The new strategy focuses on:
- Capacity building for small and grassroots NPOs
- Creating a shared knowledge and resource ecosystem
- Standardising impact measurement and accountability across partners
- Streamlining programme delivery to avoid duplication
Neftaly Malatjie, who himself rose from humble beginnings, understands the hardships faced by small organisations trying to create meaningful impact in underprivileged communities.
“We know what it’s like to knock on doors that don’t open,” Malatjie said. “We want to be the platform that turns those knocks into conversations, and those conversations into action.”
Empowerment Beyond Funding
One of the significant components of this new collaboration model is SayPro’s decision to move beyond traditional funding relationships. While financial support remains crucial, the focus is on equipping partner NPOs with the tools, training, systems, and networks that ensure long-term sustainability.
This includes:
- Access to SayPro’s operational frameworks and templates
- Inclusion in its international donor network
- Joint programme implementation opportunities
- Mentorship from SayPro’s experienced team
“Too many organisations disappear because they’re chasing survival instead of building sustainability,” said Malatjie. “We’ve walked that road. We’re building bridges so others can walk further, faster.”
Inspiring Resilience in the Sector
Malatjie’s statement — “There are no shopping centres for dreams” — has resonated widely on social media and among sector leaders. The metaphor highlights the harsh reality: dreams require work, and there is no easy marketplace where they can be picked up or fulfilled.
Yet, the message is ultimately one of hope.
“To the young person running a programme in a rural village, or the founder of a small NPO operating from a shack with no internet — don’t give up,” Malatjie added. “You’re not alone. SayPro sees you, and we’re working to make sure your dream survives.”
A Call to Action
With this new approach, SayPro invites other NPOs, social enterprises, corporate social investment partners, and government agencies to join hands in a movement of shared purpose.
The organisation is launching an NPO Collaboration Portal by the end of 2025, where like-minded groups can:
- Apply for partnership
- Access digital toolkits and learning resources
- Engage in peer-to-peer learning
- Participate in SayPro-led impact projects
Final Thoughts
Under Neftaly Malatjie’s visionary leadership, SayPro continues to evolve from a youth organisation into a continental force for systemic change. With partnerships grounded in purpose, not just paperwork, the organisation is setting a new standard for how development work can — and should — be done.
As Malatjie puts it, “Strength does not come from power; it comes from purpose. And ours is unshakable.”
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