Boitumelo Patricia Lekalakala (34), club administrator at the University of Pretoria (UP) Football Club, reflects on the meaning of Youth Day and the how young people can make themselves more marketable.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I grew up in Soshanguve Block Gg, and attended Tiamoko Primary School and matriculated from Botse-Botse High School. In 2008, I began my studies at UP, and obtained B Sport Science degree and honours in Sport and Recreation Management.

I started volunteering at the football office in my first year, and upon completing my qualifications in 2014, I was offered the role of club administrator at TuksFootball. My responsibilities include acting as a mediator between the club and various departments within the University and external organisations. A career highlight was receiving the first Administrator of the Season Award for the Hollywoodbets Women’s Super League.

What does Youth Month mean to you?

Youth Month celebrates the future of our country by appreciating the uniqueness and skills of young people. It’s a time to honour the innovation and future-facing efforts of South Africa’s youth. Following the recent elections, we witnessed young people uniting to drive political change. June is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those preparing to lead across race, denomination and ethnicity.

Which skills make young people marketable?

Resilience is a key quality for young people who are navigating an ever-changing landscape. Whether in technology, social systems or daily life, they have a built-in ability to adapt and thrive in uncertain times. Emotional intelligence and empathy are crucial, as these skills enhance employability in any role, whether at UP or in future employment opportunities.

How can they improve their skills?

They should utilise available programmes and seek mentors for guidance throughout their career journeys. Networking is essential for skills improvement, as it allows individuals to share their skills with their peers and learn from each other.

What does UP’s slogan, “Make Today Matter”, mean to you?

UP’s values of action, excellence, collaboration and diversity are central to my daily role. These values are the action steps that bring the slogan to life, grounding me in my commitment to making a meaningful impact each day.