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The international human rights instruments are the written documents, which forms the basis for a definition of what it implies to be a rights based organisation. The most central of these documents are the UN Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and the following Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. (1966). A main fundamental principle when it comes to Human Rights is the universality of the same rights. All human beings are entitled to human dignity and respect for their rights as human beings. There is an ongoing discussion concerning the universality of the human rights, taken into account the fact that millions of people and a number of regimes do not, even today, accept the human rights as a part of their ethical framework. Not because they have not heard about the Human Rights, but because they are opposed to them, on the basis of what they see as their own superior cultural, religious or secular values.

To be a rights based organisation is to have a statement of belief that people’s basic rights must be fulfilled if they are to live with dignity. All people are entitled to equal rights and opportunities, as defined in the international declarations and conventions, these being social, economic and cultural rights, and civil and political rights and the right to life itself. But in the present world, and unpardonably enough also in the coming decades, these rights are denied for millions of people worldwide because of neglect and/or oppression. The result of this is poverty and increasing inequality.

SAYVON is a right based organisation advocating for the rights of young people both young women and young men to be valued, respected and supported to achieve their potential; have a positive future and involved in society as change agents.

Youth and the right to partcipate

“I don’t have money to send you back to college, I lost my job and I am a single father, you might have to look for a job my son” These are the words that Kabelo’s father articulated to Kabelo Mkwanazi in the middle of his second semester at the Academy of Learning College. “Aubrey, I knew from that, that this statement would define my self-worth and future. I saw myself as the elders son of four children and the first one that completed his grade 12(standard 10) and also the one who had the opportunity to taste collage environment, being a better person in life became a shuttered dream. Growing up as a young black man in Lenasia, South-West of Johannesburg, South Africa, I was dissatisfied with the socio-economic status of black South Africans and constantly questioned the role of a black person in South Africa and the world. I realise from then that had I been rich or white my situation would have been different immensely. Being young black, poor and with little academic education made me to think of two options, either to become the so-called “lost youth” or to look for employment. My father in particular, made me to have a very different approach to life based on my background. The dissatisfaction motivated me to be passionate for change within my family and me. In order to channel my desire for change and challenge the socio-economic injustices of South Africa, I began at the base of which all this seemed to define my being a disadvantaged young man” In 2002, Kabelo together with some friends started doing voluntary work within their township, organising events and workshops on arts/culture and Media. Working with schools in their area showing short films on African writers and poets thereafter holding workshops on social problems and trying to find possible solution to issues that affect the youth of South Africa and the role that they can play as young people. The group has since grown over years and today they call themselves Media, Arts and culture Project (MAP) the main goal for MAP is to address youth challenges by using media, arts and culture.

our motto: We Will and We Can!


about us members milestones press office contact us

H o m e

P r o g r a m m e s

P u b l i c a t i o n s

T h e m e s

E v e n t s

e G r o u p

L i n k s

F u n d i n g Agencies

If you want to get in touch with us, please don't hesitate to contact us on:

+27 11 482 9570


Welcome to the SAYVON website. The network is based on the UN convention on the right of the child to participate and therefore, all our programmes are right based.	We have successfully laid the ground work for various programmes and initiatives that facilitate the organisation in meeting its objectives. Well now is the time for us to be more aggressive in our implementation of these programmes. Please read more on these.
South Africa has been affected by violent attacks related to xenophobia around various parts of the country. The violent attacks are predominately being aimed at foreign nationals. SAYVON strongly denounces this behaviour and has launched a campaign to fight the scurge of these attacks. Read more	We have concluded a research on Young Women's Participation in KZN, click here to read the outcomes from the research. The project is an initiative that seeks to increase the participation of young women in development issues, particularly civil issues within communities. Please click >>here<< to read more.
SAYVON is in the process of running a pilot on a very exciting project called peopLinQ (pronounced "people link"). This project will allow SAYVON youth to be able to communicate and share ideas in an easy and cost-effective manner, whenever, wherever. Keep watching this space for more information...	One of the goals we have set for SAYVON, is to get more views from the youth so that we always remain relevant. Please click >>here<< to drop us a note through the eGroup channel.
The Regional Youth Hearing took place in Johannesburg, South Africa on 28 November 2008 at the Kliptown Freedom Square/Walter Sisulu Square. Please click >>here<< to read more about it.
SAYVON features two research papers published by the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa: Grants dependency in South Africa University drop-out rates in SA

Key debate
Do you think access to higher education for matriculants is difficult?

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