Author: Ubuntu Hub

“Arriving in the city of Johannesburg for the first time to attend an audition at Ubuntu Hub turned my life around.”

Meet Karabo Blake Seretsi, a 19-year-old from a small town in the North West province of South Africa. She grew up as an odd one out at home, school, and in the community, with a deep anxiety about talking or meeting people. Blake immersed herself in church activities, and spending time alone became her solace. This reclusive personality persisted until her parents convinced her to join sports at school, and she decided to be part of the hockey team, where she excelled and felt confidence in herself for the first time.

This newfound self-worth was shattered when her parents separated in 2020, and she had to move to the Gauteng Province with her mother, which also meant changing schools. This move coincided with the global lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She only got to attend her new school for two months before staying at home. This led to a relapse in her childhood personality disorders, and she was ultimately diagnosed with manic depression and generalized anxiety, requiring admission to a psychiatric hospital.

As time passed, her journey to recovery began, and in 2023 she met a new friend who sent her a text inviting her to Johannesburg for an audition for the Leak fashion show at Ubuntu Hub. She arrived in Johannesburg for the first time. “I had never heard of Ubuntu Hub before, but when I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by friendly faces and voices. The Ubuntu Hub staff explained the project to the audition group, and I really felt at home, like I had found a home.”

After the auditions, she was invited to be part of the 100 Movement, an NGO modeling agency that harnesses the talents of young and aspiring models without charging a fee. Then, Ubuntu Hub hosted Make Something Week, where she volunteered to be an MC for the musical show “a dream I always had.”

During the Make Something Week musical show, a TV producer was part of the audience and spotted her amazing talent, offering her her first job as a TV presenter for a show called Lyrics Debunked. “Ubuntu Hub has become a safe space for me and has opened up opportunities that I never thought possible for me.”

Story provided by Ubuntu Hub, Johannesburg, South Africa

In the vibrant heart of Soweto, a young and inspiring individual is making waves in the world of climate change and spirituality. Meet Lubabalo Jafta, a local theater actor who recently realized his dream of recording a podcast show that explores the deep connection between climate change and spirituality.

For three years, Lubabalo poured his heart and soul into crafting a podcast that would shed light on the profound question of how climate change affects our spirituality. Armed with just his trusty mobile phone, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

One fateful evening, while scrolling through social media, Lubabalo stumbled upon Ubuntu Hub. This discovery changed the course of his journey. He decided to pay them a visit, and this visit turned his long-held dream into a reality. At Ubuntu Hub, he found state-of-the-art equipment that he could use for free, which was instrumental in bringing his podcast to life.

We celebrate this young champion of climate justice and spirituality. His dedication and unwavering passion have led him to become a leader in a youth movement focused on creating a brighter future for our planet. Lubabalo is now at the helm of a remarkable podcast show, collaborating with other talented young minds from Soweto who share his belief in achieving climate justice within their lifetime.

Lubabalo’s story is an inspiration to us all, demonstrating how determination and the right resources can empower individuals to make a real impact on the issues they care about. He’s an inspiration, not just in Soweto, but for a global audience. His story reminds us that by pursuing our passions and uniting with like-minded souls, we can create a world that’s more in tune with our spirituality and the environment.