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  2. What We Do

Learn by doing. Grow by sharing. Lead by acting.

Training, projects, awards and events that turn young people’s drive into real impact.

Four areas of opportunity

Everything we do builds leaders

The four elements of the JCI shield stand for our four areas of opportunity: four ways to grow, all connected.

01

Individual Development

Leadership academies, public speaking and debating, JCI official courses and hands-on project leadership. Many members go on to become certified JCI trainers.

02

Community Impact

Projects in education, health, entrepreneurship and children’s rights, planned with the JCI Active Citizen Framework and aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

03

International Cooperation

Area conferences, the JCI World Congress, the JCI Academy in Japan, twinning with other national organisations and global campaigns.

04

Business & Entrepreneurship

Networking with business leaders, entrepreneurship development programmes and competitions that help young founders grow.

TOYP honorees holding their award certificates
Recognition

TOYP South Africa

Ten Outstanding Young Persons: celebrating young South Africans who are making a positive impact.

TOYP continues the tradition of FOYSA (Five Outstanding Young South Africans), which JCI South Africa revived in 2017 with Brand South Africa and expanded to ten honorees in 2018. Honorees show exceptional leadership, creativity and service in areas such as business, government, culture, science and humanitarian work.

South Africans have also been named JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World, including Bongiwe Malangeni (2011) and Pinky Mokwena (2023).

TOYP nomination form
Entrepreneurship

CYE — Creative Young Entrepreneur

A national competition for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity, innovation and business skills.

  • Workshops and feedback from experienced mentors
  • Pitch to a panel of judges
  • Categories including tech & innovation, agri-business, tourism & hospitality and social entrepreneurship
  • Winners receive prizes, mentorship and resources to grow
Enquire about CYE
A young leader presenting on stage
Events

Meet. Learn. Elevate.

Where our members come together, locally, nationally and across the world.

National Convention

Our annual gathering for training, awards, debate and the General Assembly, where members elect the next National President. 2026: Cape Town, 16–18 October.

Africa & Middle East Conference

Our regional conference. South Africa hosted it in 1996, 2007, 2016 and 2025.

JCI events

JCI World Congress

The global meeting of JCI members, which Johannesburg hosted in 1977 (the first ever on African soil) and again in 2021, virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global JCI
Membership

Your journey starts here

Membership is open to young people aged 18–40 who want to develop themselves and create positive change.

  • Develop skills through training and by leading real projects
  • Expand your network across South Africa and 100+ countries
  • Make an impact in your community
  • Get access to JCI events, awards and international opportunities
Become a member Find a local organisation
Leaders on stage releasing balloons at the JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference, Durban 2025
Joining JCI South Africa

Questions about joining

All FAQs