Unconventional Hearts Foundation launches to support youth empowerment in South Africa

A KwaZulu-Natal medical student has become the first beneficiary of a newly launched youth-focused charity.

A Small and Medium-sized Enterprise organisation called Unconventional CA (UCA) recently launched The Unconventional Hearts Foundation. It was launched to raise funding and awareness across four core pillars: education and entrepreneurship, healthcare, food security and shelter, creating long-term support for youth up to the age of 25.

At the foundation's inaugural golf day they raised over R218 000 to support its first beneficiary, Azaria Narain, a fourth-year Wits medical student.

Hiten Keshave, CEO of Unconventional CA, said the project was inspired by his own upbringing and passion for empowering the next generation.

“I’ve always been passionate about education and empowering the next generation. Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunities many young people need to succeed. Working with Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) daily, I see the talent in this country. I want to help give young people the start I never had,” said Keshave.

He said Narain was chosen as the first beneficiary because of her commitment to serving others and her determination to finish her medical degree despite financial barriers.

"UCA has supported her for the past year and aims to cover her next year of studies and essential living costs. She’s not just studying medicine, she wants to be the doctor her community has never had,” said Keshave.

He said as part of the golf day, local SMMEs were invited to exhibit, network and share their services with corporates and sponsors.

“Opportunities come when people engage. Small businesses don’t need another form to fill in. They need access. They need someone to hear them. This golf day created that space.

"Several SMMEs said it was the first time they felt truly seen by senior decision-makers. One founder shared that the day “gave me hope again,” while another said meeting executives face-to-face was “a moment I’ll never forget,” said Keshave.

He said they hope to raise more money soon to enable them to support even more young people to reach their potential.⁠

Narain, 21, who grew up in Clare Estate, and matriculated at Dr AD Lazarus Secondary School, said she has struggled with the high costs of tuition, medical equipment, transport and living expenses.

"These financial pressures often made it difficult to focus fully on my studies. ⁠I feel extremely honoured to be the foundation’s first beneficiary. It motivates me to work even harder and make the foundation proud.

"Hiten contacted me regarding the financial difficulties I was facing and kindly stepped in to assist. Becoming a doctor has always been my dream. I have always wanted to help people and serve my community through medicine," said Narain.

Keshave and his business partner, Jameel Khan, who are both chartered accountants, have a vision to help South Africa’s entrepreneurs unlock their true potential.

Their mission is to empower one million entrepreneurs by 2030.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE