#ForYOUTH: Meet David

Meet David Merkeur - YearBeyond

When you first speak to David Peter Merkeur, you’ll be inclined to think that he’s much older than what he looks. All because of the way he articulates himself. A young man of just 24, David’s outlook on life tells a tale of a young man wise far beyond his years.

Hailing from the Cape Flats suburb of Lentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain, David has always been ambitious. From a very young age, he had his eyes set on success. He was the first in his family to matriculate. “I think as the eldest of four siblings, it always felt incumbent upon me to set an example for the rest of my brothers and sisters. In a way, I felt like I needed to be a trailblazer in their eyes so they too could follow suit and recognize that no matter who you are, you can make something of yourself even if you don’t deem it possible”.

After matriculating in 2019, David was determined to create a better future for himself, even though he wasn’t quite sure where his path would take him. Nevertheless, he cast out all the self-doubt that plagued him during his high school years and sought out opportunities.

After giving his future a serious think, he applied for YearBeyond, having heard about the programme from an YeBo alum.
“I remember getting pulled aside by one of the members from the YearBeyond Programme who offered me the opportunity to attend one of the boot camps. I thought to myself, why not? Let’s give it a try, what could go wrong? I didn’t know that from that moment on, everything would keep going right.”

“The YearBeyond Program really taught me a lot about myself. Because of the Programme, I discovered strengths I never knew I had. The cool thing about this Programme is that it doesn’t just see you for who you are today, but for who you can become in the future. I was never one for public speaking, but since I’ve been involved with the programme, it’s become one of my main strengths. I’ve gained a newfound sense of confidence and where I’m now able to use my voice to inspire others, because I believe that everyone’s got something to bring to the table.” While on the YearBeyond Programme David was supported to think about his next. After completing his service year, the impact he had on his peers, and his rate of growth was undeniable.

Soon after, he would be offered a role as a teacher’s assistant and later a care support officer with the Western Cape Education Department. The programme didn’t only provide him with invaluable work experience but nurtured his sense of urgency —instilling a "can-do" approach, exposing him to the importance of taking initiative, and the need to make the most of opportunities that came his way.

After attending the YeBo Career Fair during his service year, he also heard about other career opportunities such as at the TFG group, a place he would later secure a job. While working as a teacher’s assistant David applied to TFG and was offered a position... He was successful and soon after, was promoted to Service administrator – a position that enabled him to achieve many personal milestones, including buying his first car.

“Coming from a community that’s not fraught with opportunity, I really think young people who join the YearBeyond Programme can make a real difference in their communities. I think that often, young people lack the confidence and self-belief required for them to realize that they can actually make a positive difference out there. But all it takes is just one chance to make an immeasurable difference. And that’s what I thrive on. 

Currently, David is on track to become the first in his family to earn a degree. He now works at Rosebank College, who are also funding his studies. From YearBeyond to earning a degree, David's journey is all about breaking barriers. His journey, which began at the YeBo Career Fair, has inspired his younger sister to follow in his footsteps. She is now a first-year education student, proving how one opportunity can transform not just an individual but an entire family. 

David hopes to expand his impact and has applied to be a podcast host with On the Pulse, a multi-media hub to amplify youth voices set up by YearBeyond and Chrysalis, to inspire youth to dream and pursue their dreams. “Often, we only see the result of people’s success, but a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. So, I want to use the podcast to shed light around the amazing young people out there who are doing great things for themselves as well as their communities, which will hopefully inspire others to do the same. Because if one wins, we all win together.”