Being young and poor in South Africa (and anywhere else) is tough. I count myself lucky not to have been there. And yet many of the most amazing people I know have been there - to varying degrees.

Avoiding the pitfalls of drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, malnutrition and  giving in to blinkered teachers in a corrupt and dysfunctional education system, some of my companions and friends have stepped over their past. They have become beacons of hope for their family circles. Like Madiba they kept faith and integrity in the darkest hour.

They gave everything for a good education and developed a positive attitude -- doors opened. 

If you are such a young person, I want to meet you, hear your story and, hopefully, give you a job (or help in some way).