Usiko Stellenbosch

Usiko is a registered NPO in Jamestown, Stellenbosch, that uses a rites-of-passage approach of mentoring, wilderness and group work to guide at-risk young people into responsible adulthood. Its programmes include school-based workshops with 3–4 day wilderness camps, a court-accredited youth diversion programme, after-school Green Clubs that plant vegetable gardens, and a livelihoods year for graduates.

Usiko's wilderness model draws on traditional African cultural ritual combined with modern psychological theory. Founding members included Andrew Muir, criminologist Don Pinnock, Marion Goodman and Philip van Zyl, and it grew out of post-1994 youth justice reform. In July 2025 Usiko was honoured at the Stellenbosch Community Heroes Awards. Reported reach includes self-discovery camps for about 800 children a year and weekday meals for 200 residents.