Empowering Hout Bay's youth through skills development and social entrepreneurship

A new youth-focused initiative aimed at equipping young people with skills and opportunities is set to launch in Hout Bay, with applications for its first intake now open.

The programme will be led by Steven Kreeftenberg, of Hout Bay, a former pupil of Kronendal Primary School and Camps Bay High School, who is spearheading the introduction of the Social Innovation Academy (SINA) initiative locally.

SINA is a global network founded in 2014 in Uganda that empowers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to tackle challenges through self-organised, practical learning rather than traditional classroom methods.

Over the years, SINA communities have been successfully established in multiple African countries, supporting the creation of over 100 social enterprises that address social and environmental issues while providing dignified livelihoods, said Mr Kreeftenberg.

 “We’re currently working to establish a youth-led SINA Community specifically in Hout Bay, aimed at creating local opportunities for young people through personal development, social entrepreneurship, and community building,” he said.

Mr Kreeftenberg said that the Hout Bay initiative is starting with the selection of three “replicators” — young people who will train abroad in an established SINA community before returning to launch the local academy.

Once operational, the programme will offer a 12 to 18 month, fully supported journey for participants, combining mentorship, practical social enterprise development, and personal growth. 

“Our main goal is to share this opportunity within the Hout Bay community,” he said 

The initiative is currently fundraising, having secured approximately one-third of the required funding from international partners, and is seeking local support to launch the academy. 

Participants will receive financial support to remove barriers to participation, including seed capital to help start local social enterprises.

Applications for the first intake are now open to Hout Bay residents aged 18 to 30.

Shortlisted applicants will take part in assessment activities in April to evaluate motivation, mindset and growth potential.

Ideal candidates are those ready to embrace self-discovery, take initiative, and grow into changemakers, said Mr Kreeftenberg.

While the exact location of the academy is still being finalised, Mr Kreeftenberg said the programme will work closely with local schools, community groups, and sports clubs to connect with young people. 

Within the first year, the team aims to have the academy established and the first cohort of scholars beginning their journey in early 2027.

“This is not a once-off project. We envision a permanent, self-sustaining SINA Community in Hout Bay, empowering young people and incubating social enterprises for years to come,” he said.

For more information or to apply, residents are encouraged to contact the initiative via the SINA website

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