ABOUT

This ground-breaking youth development programme has been operating successfully for ten years and will now be scaled up under the DTL Liyaba Ltd organisation. It uses a unique sports adventure challenge to develop teamwork and leadership skills to help young people realise their full potential. They discover self-belief, confidence and a determination to succeed. Life’s challenges are put into perspective.

We are now in the process of selecting a new group of 18-24 year-olds in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund for the next edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race which starts in August 2023. This is not only based on experience but also reflects the long-term commitment to youth development by the Clipper Race founders: legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and renowned entrepreneur William Ward OBE. 

DTL Liyaba is aptly named after Masibulele Liyaba (pictured above), one of our very first 'Ambassadors' in the inaugural programme with the 2013-14 Clipper Race. He was a capable young man from a very challenging background who decided to make something of his life by applying for a place on the project. He represented what this initiative is all about, from his difficult past, to what he was in the process of achieving after the race. Tragically, he lost his life as a victim of a random knife attack in 2018. He is remembered fondly by all those who knew him and remains an inspiration.