So many young people had potential, but it was unseen…
Although she is the founder and CEO of Sivuka Youth, a keynote speaker and leadership coach, Ashalia says her work is rooted in something far more human – understanding people.
“As a mother, a wife and a leader, I am always trying to understand what it means to be human”, she shared. “All the titles I hold come from trying to become a more authentic human being”.
That philosophy sits at the center of Sivuka Youth, the organization she founded after years of working with young people in KwaZulu-Natal. Supporting matriculants transitioning to universities or colleges, she noticed a recurring gap far beyond the academics.
“So many young people had potential, but it was unseen, they were not being guided or cared for in a human way”, she said.
This insight is the one that led to Sivuka Youth in 2018 – a youth led organization focused on workplace readiness, emotional intelligence and resilience. The name means ‘to rise’ in isiZulu, a reflection of its mission to help young people to step into opportunity with confidence and self-belief.
Maharajh says that the real challenge is not only preparing young people but preparing environments as they enter, “Development cannot happen in isolation, the workplace also needs to be ready for young people”.
Her work also extends into rethinking women’s leadership in South Africa. She believes that conversations often ignore the hidden cost of leadership, especially for women balancing multiple roles.
‘We celebrate women in leadership, but we don’t stop to ask what is the cost to sustain it”, she said.
She speaks openly about burnout and how performance driven environments pushed her to rethink her approach. “I realized I wanted to lead from a place of humanity not just a performance”.
Maharajh also highlighted the invisible labour that a lot of women carry at home and work, saying leadership discussions must acknowledge structural imbalance. She adds that women are leading from a depleted starting line and that must be part of the conversation.
Despite the challenges, sha says that the most meaningful part of her work is seeing transformation in the lives of young people, seeing them less stressed and more relaxed.
“The impact that gives me joy in my heart is seeing people believe in themselves again”, she said.
She adds that leadership has been a deeply personal journey. “It’s personal development on steroids. You learn while walking through it”.
Her message to young people is simple but firm: “Learn yourself before the system does. If you don’t know who you are, the system will shape you”.
As Sivuka Youth continues to expand into areas like AI literacy, mentorship and psychological safety, Maharajh remains focused on one goal, which is helping young South Africans rise with purpose, dignity and self-belief.
Fo her, leadership has never been about titles, it has always been about what it means to be human.
By Sinentlahla Mbokwe
