Registered Section 21 NPC • Nkowankowa

The Talent is Here. Now We Build The Economy.

We are a youth-led, evidence-based civic movement demanding structural inclusion, driving local enterprise, and bridging the gap between municipal promise and township reality and with a Population of 90 733.

94.6%
Matric Pass Rate
Ranked 1st in Mopani District
48.5%
Youth Unemployment
Nkowankowa youth excluded
101,750
NEET Youth
Not in Employment, Education, or Training
11
Core Demands
Click to view our legal mandate
The Disconnect

A R2 Billion Budget, But Only 84 Youth Employed.

The Greater Tzaneen Municipality has a budget of R2.067bn and five consecutive unqualified audits. Yet, out of 151,866 youth in GTM, only 84 are employed internally. Wards are abandoned, SMMEs lack support, and the Nkowankowa Industrial Park sits dormant while our talent leaves.

We are not a problem to be managed. We are the solution waiting to be activated.

The NERI Solution

Lawful, Evidence-Based Action

  • Policy & Accountability

    Securing a formal seat in the IDP structures to ensure the youth budget actually reaches the youth.

  • Industrial Revival

    Transforming dormant assets and the 161-hectare Industrial Park into enterprise incubators.

  • Business Social Compact

    Directing major corporate CSI funds locally to rebuild our sports, rehab, and digital infrastructure.

How We Drive Change

Explore our core pillars of intervention.

Constitutional Demands

Read the 11 lawful demands presented to the Mayor's office based on the GTM Draft IDP.

View Demands

Business Forum

A coalition of local capital uniting to drive procurement, incubation, and youth skills transfer.

Explore the Forum

Join The Ranks

Become a member, volunteer your skills, or help us coordinate action in all 35 wards.

Register Now
ESTABLISHED 07 JULY 2026

We are NERI.

A youth-led, non-partisan civic movement building an inclusive economic future for Nkowankowa.

VISION

"A Nkowankowa where every young person has a seat at the table, a skill in their hands, and a future worth fighting for."

MISSION

To mobilise youth as lawful, evidence-based agents of transformation through strategic engagement, education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

WHY WE EXIST

A generation refusing to accept unemployment, inequality and neglect as its inheritance.

NERI was founded on 07 July 2026 as a registered Non-Profit Company to give young people in Nkowankowa a collective, lawful voice and a clear pathway to economic participation and dignity.

OUR CONSTITUTIONAL OBJECTS
01
Economic Renewal & Social Development

Promote economic renewal and social development across Nkowankowa and the Greater Tzaneen Municipality.

02
Youth Empowerment

Empower youth through education, skills development, employment creation, and entrepreneurship support.

03
Lawful Public Participation

Engage government through lawful public participation processes and constitutional mechanisms.

04
IDP & Service Delivery Monitoring

Monitor the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan and the quality of municipal service delivery.

05
Programme Development

Establish and run programmes in education, sports, arts, culture, health, and welfare.

OUR VALUES
Integrity

We act with honesty and transparency in everything we do.

Accountability

We hold ourselves and our leaders to the highest standards.

Inclusion

We create space for all voices, especially those historically excluded.

Action

We move from ideas to implementation with speed and purpose.

LEGAL STATUS

A registered Non-Profit Company

Full Legal Name
Nkowankowa Economic Renewal Initiative (NERI)
CIPC Registration
2026/531180/08
SARS Tax Reference
9003946341
NPO Registration
APPL26-142685 (in progress)
Financial year ends 30 June. Incorporated under the Companies Act 71 of 2008.
GOVERNANCE

How we are structured

Board of Directors

Between 3 and 9 Directors. Three-year renewable terms. Quarterly meetings.

Membership

Open to all natural persons 18+ who support our objects. Youth 15–17 may join with parental consent (non-voting).

Financial Controls

Two signatories required for all payments. Proper records maintained. Annual statements prepared.

LEADERSHIP

The founding directors

Amen Kwetsimani Clive Phambane
Chairperson & Public Officer
073 768 1858 EMAIL: chierperson@theneri.co.za
Dion Nkuna
Deputy Chairperson & CEO
067 217 1432 / 071 155 7028 EMMAIL: deputychairperson@theneri.co.za
Areka Logan Khosa
General Secretary & Projects Manager
079 235 3852 EMAIL: generalsecretary@theneri.co.za
11 CORE DEMANDS

Our Demands

ACTION ON THE GROUND

Our Interventions.

We don't just write memorandums. We execute. Explore our data-driven programmes designed to revive Nkowankowa’s economy, protect informal traders, and upskill our youth.

Priority Project
Industrial Park

Industrial Park Revival

Advocating for the conversion of Nkowankowa's dormant 161-hectare industrial assets into active youth enterprise engines and SMME incubators to create local supply chains.

Action Status Lobbying LEDA & GTM
Active Campaign
By-Law Education

By-Law Literacy Campaign

Partnering with GTM Law Enforcement to educate, rather than punish, local informal traders. We help street vendors understand municipal by-laws to protect their livelihoods from confiscation.

Target Audience: Local Street Vendors
Community Support
ECD Education

ECD Compliance Drive

Assisting unregistered Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Nkowankowa to meet municipal health and safety standards, unlocking government subsidies and ensuring child safety.

Goal: 100% Ward Registration
Strategic Partnerships
Social Infrastructure

Social Infrastructure Revival

Binding major businesses into a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) compact to rebuild our local sports facilities, drug rehab centres, and digital access hubs to motivate the youth.

Funding Secured In Negotiations

Have a solution for your ward?

NERI is built on ground-level intelligence. If you have a viable, data-driven idea to improve enterprise, safety, or infrastructure in your area, pitch it to the steering committee.

THE NERI YOUTH VANGUARD

Build Your Career.
Build Your Community.

This is bigger than us. We are fighting for the next generation of Nkowankowa. Join the movement, gain real-world working experience, and earn the certificates you need to launch your career.

Apply to Join Now

Stop Waiting for Experience. Let's Create It.

Companies want "3 years of experience" before they hire you. By joining NERI, you aren't just volunteering—you are managing real projects, running real campaigns, and building an undeniable CV.

Real-World Skills

Learn project management, data collection, digital marketing, and public administration by working on live NERI campaigns.

Guaranteed

Official Certificates

Active members receive official Certificates of Service and professional Reference Letters to attach to job applications.

Professional Network

Work side-by-side with local business owners from our Business Forum, municipal officials, and industry leaders.

Choose Your Squad

We treat volunteering like a job placement. Pick the department that matches your career goals and field of study.

Policy & Research

Perfect for graduates in Law, Public Admin, or Humanities.

  • Analyze IDP Budgets
  • Draft Memorandums
  • Conduct Surveys

Digital & Media

Perfect for Creatives, IT Techs, and Marketing students.

  • Social Media Management
  • Graphic Design
  • PR & Copywriting

Ground Operations

Perfect for natural leaders and logistics minds.

  • Organize Town Halls
  • Mobilize Wards
  • Community Education

Enterprise Support

Perfect for Commerce, Accounting, and Business students.

  • SMME Registration Help
  • Compliance Assistance
  • Local Market Setup

"We are the generation that stops complaining about what is broken, and starts showing the world how to fix it."

Official Intake Form

Complete this form to join the NERI database. Our team will contact you for onboarding and induction.

THE ENGINE OF RENEWAL

NERI Business Forum

A premier network of local enterprises, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to sustainable growth, youth empowerment, and inclusive wealth creation in Nkowankowa[cite: 8]. The Forum is a structured response built to close the 73% shortfall in local business support[cite: 8].

Join the Forum

Collective Voice

Representing local business interests directly into Greater Tzaneen Municipality's (GTM) IDP and municipal budget processes through a lawful advocacy channel[cite: 8].

Enterprise Incubation

Providing practical support for B-BBEE compliance, tender readiness workshops, and pathways from education to employment for youth[cite: 8].

Local Supply Chains

Preparing local SMMEs to meet corporate and municipal procurement standards, integrating them into real supply chains[cite: 8].

Strategic CSI

Pooling member resources for collective impact on youth bursaries and community projects, helping businesses earn B-BBEE points[cite: 8].

Membership Tiers

Invest in the future of Nkowankowa while unlocking exclusive business benefits, B-BBEE compliance support, and networking opportunities[cite: 8].

Silver

Turnover: R1m–R10m[cite: 8]

R15,000/year
  • B-BBEE Benefit: SED points[cite: 8]
  • Access to networking events generating referrals[cite: 8]
  • Entry into local procurement network[cite: 8]
Premium Impact

Platinum

Turnover: > R50m[cite: 8]

R100,000/year
  • B-BBEE Benefit: SED + ED points[cite: 8]
  • Direct shaping of CSI & Youth Programmes[cite: 8]
  • Introductions to international and diaspora investors[cite: 8]
  • Keynote speaking slots at Economic Summit

Gold

Turnover: R10m–R50m[cite: 8]

R50,000/year
  • B-BBEE Benefit: SED points[cite: 8]
  • Capacity building workshops on financial management[cite: 8]
  • Direct access to NERI talent/skills database

Bronze Tier

Turnover: < R1m (Earns SED points)[cite: 8]

R5,000/yr

Associate

Non-business entities / NGOs[cite: 8]

Free

Join the Business Forum

Fill out the application below. Upon acceptance, you will sign a Membership Agreement and our secretariat will contact you to finalize your onboarding[cite: 8].

Business Collaboration
ACCOUNTABILITY & GOVERNANCE

Forum Structure

NERI operates under a formal Constitution and Memorandum of Incorporation, with a Code of Ethics and Governance[cite: 8]. As a registered NPC, our NPO status is pending (Ref: APPL26-142685) and we disclose upfront that we cannot currently issue Section 18A tax-deductible receipts[cite: 8].

Organisational Leadership
Led by Chairperson Amen Kwetsimani Clive Phambane and CEO Dion Nkuna[cite: 8].
Secretariat Contacts
Applications are handled by the General Secretary, Areka Logan Khosa[cite: 8].

Our Strategic Partners & Forum Members

Partner 1
Partner 2
+ Your Company Here

Gallery

Gallery Coming Soon

This section will showcase photos and videos from NERI events.

DOCUMENTS & FORMS

Resource Library

Access and download official NERI foundational documents, charters, and application forms.

Foundational & Governance

PDF DOCUMENT

NERI Founding Statement
PDF DOCUMENT

Constitution of NERI
PDF DOCUMENT

Memorandum of Incorporation
PDF DOCUMENT

NERI REPORT
PDF DOCUMENT

NERI YOUTH PROBLEMS
PDF DOCUMENT

NERI DEMANDS

NERI Business Forum

PDF DOCUMENT

Business Forum Charter
PDF DOCUMENT

Membership Agreement
PDF DOCUMENT

Membership Application Form
PDF DOCUMENT

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Official Forms & Applications

PDF FORM

Membership Application Form
PDF FORM

Volunteer Registration Form
PDF FORM

Donation & Contribution Form
PDF FORM

Business Forum Sign-Up Form
PDF FORM

PAIA Access Request Form
PDF FORM

COMPLAINTS FEEDBACK FORM
PDF FORM

PROGRAMME PARTICIPATION
PDF FORM

POPIA DATA REQUEST

The NERI Executive Force

A dynamic, diverse, and dedicated coalition of professionals, activists, and visionaries committed to the total economic and social renewal of Nkowankowa.

info@theneri.co.za
AP

Amen Phambane

Chairperson & Public Officer
chairperson@theneri.co.za 073 768 1858
DN

Dion Nkuna

Deputy Chairperson & CEO
deputychairperson@theneri.co.za 071 115 7028
AK

Areka Khosa

General Secretary & Projects Mgr
generalsecretary@theneri.co.za 079 235 3852
NB

Nhlanhla Baloyi

Treasurer
nhlanhla.baloyi@theneri.co.za 068 209 3030
CG

Craig Gayisa

Independent Non-Exec Director
craig.gayisa@theneri.co.za 076 361 9265
VM

Vutomi Mashaba

Independent Non-Exec Director
vutomi.mashaba@theneri.co.za 071 751 8941
NK

Ndzalo Khosa

Youth Spokesperson & Rep
ndzalo.khosa@theneri.co.za 073 438 7087
MN

Mhlave Nkwinika

Deputy Treasurer
mhlave.nkwinika@theneri.co.za 071 837 0293
CM

Carine Machaba

Legal & Governance Officer
carine.machaba@theneri.co.za 072 896 8307
KS

Kurhula Shingange

Deputy Legal & Governance
kurhula.shingange@theneri.co.za 072 144 7594
MM

Mapheto Mabunda

Sports Coordinator & Dev.
mapheto.mabunda@theneri.co.za 073 414 2271
LP

Lindokuhle Phakula

Sports Coordinator & Dev.
lindokuhle.phakula@theneri.co.za 079 415 1449
LM

Lebone Mashapo

Deputy M&E Officer
lebone.mashapo@theneri.co.za 072 292 4834
SB

Sandile Banyini

Monitoring & Eval. Officer
sandile.banyini@theneri.co.za 062 016 0023
ES

Emmanuel Shingange

Head of PR & CMO
emmanuel.shingange@theneri.co.za 074 692 2246
KM

Katekile Mbhalati

Social Media Wizard
katekile.mbhalati@theneri.co.za 063 806 4753
KL

Karabo Lesele

Fundraising & Events Architect
karabo.lesele@theneri.co.za 064 875 3482
XM

Xivono Mabunda

Volunteer Captain
xivono.mabunda@theneri.co.za 072 955 6149
KS

Karabo Shingange

Head of Ambassadors
karabo.shingange@theneri.co.za 071 529 6526
NC

Ntlhaviketo Chabangu

Deputy Head of Ambassadors
ntlhaviketo.chabangu@theneri.co.za 082 670 2616
RM

Rivoningo Mabuza

Head of Partnership Scout
rivoningo.mabuza@theneri.co.za 074 836 2288
VN

Vutshila Nkuna

Deputy Head of Partnership scouts
vutshila.nkuna@theneri.co.za 068 201 9030
NM

Nyeleti Mogotsi

Volunteer Captain
nyeleti.mogotsi@theneri.co.za 066 216 0210

Privacy Policy

NERI respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

We collect personal information to conduct research and advocacy, deliver services, and communicate with members. You have the right to access, correct or object to the processing of your information. For full details, please contact the Information Officer.

Information Officer: Amen Kwetsimani Clive Phambane • info@theneri.co.za

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By accessing www.theneri.co.za you agree to these terms. All content is owned by NERI. You may not reproduce content without permission. The website is provided for informational and engagement purposes only.