As co-founder of and head of research and administration at the Social Access Facilitation Enterprise (SAFE), she is helping to create jobs and develop young people’s skills in Zebediela, Limpopo.*. At a time when youth unemployment continues to cast a shadow over many rural communities, Pakane Kekana is demonstrating how agriculture can create jobs, build skills and inspire young people. As head of research and administration, she is part of a young leadership team using agriculture as a catalyst for community development. The idea behind SAFE is straightforward: Rather than allowing fertile land to remain underutilised while young people struggle to find work, the organisation uses farming to generate employment, develop skills and mentor young people. The initiative reflects Pakane’s belief that the future of agriculture depends on how well today’s young people are equipped with knowledge and skills and empowered with the confidence to succeed.