In a nation where challenges often seem insurmountable, Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment for South African youth. Founded by Thabang Gift Lichaba, along with Setjhaba Innocent Motsoeneng and Orlando Sifiso Ngomane, this Non-Profit Organization (NPO) has spent the last nine years transforming lives and communities through education, leadership development, and social responsibility.
The story of Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers began when Lichaba attended a spelling bee competition and noticed a glaring absence of participants from his community. Determined to change this, he brought the competition to Mandela Etwatwa and introduced it to local schools. His vision resonated with other young people who shared his drive for community development, leading to the formal establishment of Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers.
“Our vision is to build a responsible, capable, and self-reliant youth corps in South Africa,” says Lichaba, reflecting on the organization’s mission. Over the years, Bacha Ba Dichaba has achieved this vision through various key programs, including life skills and career development, educational support, sports for development, women’s empowerment, and training for teen parents.
One of the organization’s most impactful initiatives has been its spelling bee competitions. Since 2014, Bacha Ba Dichaba has hosted numerous spelling bees, involving students from primary schools across Etwatwa and beyond. Their work has not only fostered a love of learning but also equipped young people with the confidence and skills needed to succeed.
“Educational support and skills development remain a huge challenge in South Africa,” Lichaba explains. “The demand for skills has never been as competitive as it is today, and a lack of skills affects unemployment rates and the social well-being of the country. In the face of this challenge, a skills-focused community center like ours can make a significant difference in the lives of many.”
Beyond education, Bacha Ba Dichaba has also tackled food insecurity by distributing nutritional food and opening a soup kitchen for the community. Their comprehensive approach to community development has garnered them recognition, culminating in the Ekurhuleni Youth Legacy Award for Civic Society and Youth Activism, awarded to Lichaba on July 30, 2024.
Reflecting on the achievement, Lichaba notes, “Since we come back from Youth Month and new government people, I personally think they decided to award NPOs and volunteers who are working on the ground levels in our communities. It is a great thing to be recognized by the City of Ekurhuleni and the region where you stay in.”
Bacha Ba Dichaba’s impact continues to grow. With new branches in Finetown and Orange Farm, the organization is expanding its reach across Gauteng and other provinces. Their upcoming events include participating in the African Spelling Bee Competition finals at Sun City Resort from September 24-26, 2024, and hosting the National Indigenous Languages Spelling Bee Competition on September 28, 2024. The organization is also set to compete in the Kingsley Spelling Bee Competition from October 11-13, 2024, with their top 24 students.
“Our partnership with Kingsley Spelling Bee South Africa started in 2021, and since then, our students have achieved remarkable success,” Lichaba shares. “One of our students, Ntombenhle Mdluli from Leseba Secondary School, even received a scholarship in Dubai after winning the Kingsley Spelling Bee Competition.”
The organization is also addressing the struggles South African learners face with their home language studies. “The statistics say our South African learners struggle a lot with their home languages. As Bacha Ba Dichaba, we thought we should close that gap and embrace our African languages,” Lichaba explains.
Looking ahead, Lichaba emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and proactive engagement among South Africa’s youth. “As young people, we should play our part where we can and stop depending on government institutions. I mean, the government can be there for us as young people if we have something on our hands—a business or something we’re doing.”
In closing, Lichaba expresses gratitude to those who have supported Bacha Ba Dichaba’s journey. “I would like to thank our donors—100% Foundation, VumaTel, Ikeja, SAAYC—and our individuals: BBDE staff, board members, and our volunteers for being with us for the past nine years. We’re looking forward to another nine years of achievements.”
For more information or to get involved with Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers, you can reach out via email at bachabadichaba@gmail.com or connect with them on their social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp.
By Sibongile Sokela
