Liberty Hall was filled with joy and celebration as the Greenwood Park community turned out in large numbers for Destiny Fulfilled’s twelfth anniversary and the graduation of its 2025 mentorship programme participants on Friday, 13 February.
The evening opened with soulful melodies from Simphiwe Cele, setting a warm and uplifting tone for the milestone celebration. Founder and visionary Michelle Tryon welcomed guests before handing over to founding director Michelle Banda, who travelled from Cape Town to be part of the special occasion.
Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Tryon described the anniversary as “deeply heartwarming and profoundly fulfilling.”
Tryon said: “It felt like standing at a milestone and looking back over a 12-year journey of faith, perseverance and obedience to a vision placed in my heart.”
She added that much of the organisation’s work has been volunteer-driven and, at times, self-funded—making the visible transformation in young people’s lives especially meaningful.
A highlight of the evening was the graduation of the 2025 mentorship cohort, with proud families and supporters cheering as participants were honoured for completing the programme. Among the graduates was 19-year-old Greenwood Park resident Sbahle Maphumulo, who described the experience as life-changing.
“As a recent graduate, I was looking for support and direction. I wasn’t prepared for the warmth and love I would receive,” Maphumulo said. She explained that a pivotal moment occurred during the first session when participants were reminded that circumstances do not define potential. “That was a powerful wake-up call. It helped me shift my focus from limitations to possibilities,” she explained.
Maphumulo credits Tryon for helping her navigate a challenging period, noting that the guidance helped her find the strength to pass her matric. She now intends to use her leadership skills, rooted in empathy and kindness, to uplift others.
She added: “I want to pay it forward by mentoring and motivating younger leaders who may be facing similar challenges. I believe sharing my story can inspire others to stay positive and focused on their goals.”
Looking ahead, Tryon shared her vision of expanding the mentorship and leadership model nationally over the next five to ten years.
She said: “We call it ‘empowered to empower’. I would love to see this programme operating in schools across every province. With stronger community support, funding and partnerships, we can expand our impact and create sustainable opportunities for our volunteers.”
The anniversary celebration not only marked 12 years of service but reinforced Destiny Fulfilled’s commitment to developing young leaders, equipping them with the resilience and purpose to shape a brighter future for their communities.
