Neftaly Malatjie has a passion for social entrepreneurship and a track record of commitment to community work. Since the age of 11, he has worked as a preschool teacher, peer educator, library assistant, HIV/Aids counselor, drugs awareness and prevention teacher, learning and development advisor and afternoon care coordinator.
In 2005, at the age of 14, using cash he had saved from his part-time job, he started Diepsloot Youth Projects (DYP) to make an impact in the poverty stricken Diepsloot area. Diepsloot Youth Projects focuses on income generating programs that enable young people to engage in business opportunities. It has created employment for 16 young people.
Neftaly has already made a huge impact on youth in Diepsloot and it is just the beginning of an extremely impactful life.
Recently, Neftaly was the recipient of R200,000 award from Rand Water Foundation.
