Youth change-maker Keal leads the way

Greg Keal, chair of the Student Representative Council entertainment and fundraising portfolio, has been honoured as a LeadSA Youth Hero of the Month for the Western Cape. He was photographed and videoed on campus during the recent handover of his award (see left).

While still at school, Keal founded and directed the NPO RiseUp, which encourages South Africa's youth to stand against human rights violations through peaceful protests, community work and petitions.

Among other things, Keal has collected textbooks for rural schools and protested against unconstitutional legislation. He is also a recipient of a World Changers Entrepreneur Challenge first prize for his proposal for a profitable and sustainable feeding scheme in rural schools around the Western Cape. This environmentally friendly scheme would also provide employment.

Last year Keal was involved in raising R80 000 for Makaputhu Children's Village outside Botha's Hill near Durban. This houses over 100 children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Story by Helen Swingler. Photo by Michael Hammond.