What’s our story?
Our founders, Tom Walsh, Philippa (Pip) Wheaton, and Kathryn Maunders, were volunteering in under-resourced schools in KwaZulu-Natal when they noticed something striking. Young people were deeply aware of the challenges facing their schools and communities, yet felt they had little voice, agency, or access to influence change. What was missing was not ideas or motivation, but opportunity and support.
That insight sparked the journey that became enke.
Start-Up Years: Creating Space for Youth Voice (2009–2012)
In July 2009, enke hosted the first enke: Forum, bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds to connect, exchange ideas, and design solutions to real challenges in their communities. What was intended as a once-off gathering revealed a deeper truth: when young people are trusted and supported, they lead with creativity, courage, and impact.
Recognising the limits of short-term interventions, enke was formally established in 2010 to create a more sustained approach to youth leadership and action.
Programme Definition and Early Growth (2012–2015)
From 2011 to 2015, Philippa (Pip) Wheaton served as enke’s CEO, leading the organisation through a formative period of programme definition and organisational growth. During this time, enke shifted from events-based engagement to structured, repeatable programmes.
Early leadership work was consolidated into what became Trailblazer, supporting in-school youth to build leadership, confidence, and civic agency through real-world action in their schools and communities. enke also strengthened its governance, systems, and delivery foundations during this phase.
In recognition of her leadership and impact in the social innovation space, Pip was named an Ashoka Fellow in 2014. Upon leaving enke, she went on to become a Skoll Scholar, continuing her work at the intersection of leadership and systems change.
Strategic Expansion and Consolidation (2016–2020)
In 2015, Rufaro Mudimu was appointed CEO, marking a significant new chapter in enke’s evolution. Between 2016 and 2020, enke expanded its focus beyond schools to respond more directly to the realities of youth unemployment and post-school exclusion.
This period saw the development and scaling of Catalyst, enke’s re-engagement programme supporting post-school youth to build power skills, restore agency, and navigate pathways into employment, education, or enterprise. enke also expanded its bespoke partner work and refined its operating model, strengthening its ability to deliver consistently at scale.
In recognition of her leadership in youth development and social change, Rufaro was selected as an Obama Foundation Leaders Africa fellow and a Yale World Fellow, reflecting the broader contribution made through her work at enke and across the wider sector.
Innovation, Experimentation and Transition (2021–2024)
From 2021 to 2024, enke entered a phase of deeper experimentation and innovation. The organisation tested new delivery partnerships, piloted large-scale initiatives, and explored how its models could respond to emerging national priorities.
Key developments during this period included the strengthening of the Community Partners Initiative (CPI), which enables trusted local organisations to deliver enke programmes within their own communities, and the launch of the Ignite Ventures Business Generator (IVBG) in 2024, supporting young entrepreneurs to build viable, livelihood-sustaining businesses, including those aligned with the green economy and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.
This phase also included organisational reflection and leadership transition, with Rufaro Mudimu stepping down as CEO in 2024 after nearly a decade of leadership.
Where We Are Now: Consolidation, Clarity and Lasting Contribution
Today, enke is in a phase of thoughtful consolidation, entering a new chapter under fresh stewardship. With more than a decade of experience behind us, our focus is no longer on growth for growth’s sake, but on depth, quality, and long-term contribution.
We continue to work across school-based leadership, post-school pathways, youth enterprise, and partner-led delivery, refining what works, strengthening how we deliver, and ensuring young people remain at the centre of everything we do.
enke’s purpose remains constant: to connect young people across difference, equip them with the skills and mindsets they need to thrive, and inspire them to lead meaningful change in their own lives and communities.
Our story is still being written by the young people, partners, and communities who continue to make their mark alongside enke.
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