What started in 2022 as “Wa Strata” has grown into a beacon of hope for young people in Tjovitjo and Orange Farm. Rebranded in 2025 as New Hope, this initiative was founded by Mabidikoe Matseletsele and Khayalethu Mnisi, who dreamed of creating opportunities for youth often overlooked and left behind.
“Our goal has always been to open doors for the unprivileged youth and ensure their success,” the founders explain.
New Hope isn’t just a group – it’s a movement. In a community where gang violence, substance abuse and hunger cast long shadows, New Hope offers an alternative: a space to explore talent, build skills, and imagine a brighter future. Their work spans sports, arts and culture, giving young people multiple ways to shine.
The group has grown into a vibrant family. New Hope FC boasts 70 football players, while all members take part in New Hope Drama, showcasing their acting and theater skills. Dance pulses at the heart of the initiative, from traditional dancers and gumboot performers to energetic Pantsula crews, each performance a celebration of creativity and pride.
From Orange Farm to Midrand, Johannesburg, and the Vaal, New Hope brings its message of resilience and opportunity wherever it goes. What began as a mission to combat social ills now thrives as a platform where talent is nurtured, dreams are cultivated and hope becomes tangible. In the words of its founders, New Hope is about
“giving young people the chance they deserve and showing them that a brighter future is possible,” Mnisi and Matseletsele added.
Images: New Hope
