​Umnotho for Empowernent funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in Video Informal Settlement, Muldersdrift in the West Rand is determined to eradicate poverty across the region. Umnotho for Empowerment is accredited to provide Youth Development Programmes. It was founded by Lesley Gama 12 years ago.
During an interview with Weekly Bulletin Writer, Florence Sibeko, Centre Manager explained how the NPO makes a difference in the society. She said, “Only this year we have placed more than 300 beneficiaries in the Tourism Sector following completion of training offered to them here. We offer Life Skills Training, Business Skills, Technical Training, Social Change and Entrepreneurship. Almost all the Waiters and Bar Tenders in the lodges and restaurants around Muldersdrift were trained by us. And the entrepreneurs dealing with welding and plumbing around here are the beneficiaries of the Centre”, said Sibeko.

Sibeko indicated that ever since they partnered with Gauteng Social Development 4 years ago, they changed many lives drastically around Muldersdrift and surroundings. They assist young people with job, learnerships and bursary research and to type CVs. Beneficiaries are profiled to determine their needs as she indicated that some are directed to life skills, business, and field of work.

There are those who come already having certain skills; they are linked with employers. The Centre now sent 200 young people to the company called Clean Heat doing Learnership in the field of bricklaying, electrical and plumbing, getting stipend.

“We also have housing project whereby; we buy land and we have partnered with Mogale City Municipality. We are going to develop houses. Community members especially those who resides at informal settlement are the beneficiaries because they pay certain amount, and we save. As Umnotho we are coordinating the process and we are waiting for funding for bulk infrastructure so that we start developing. Our beneficiaries are from Video, Joe Slovo, Lion Park, Kroomdraai informal settlements, Kagiso and Krugersdorp”, Sibeko added.

“We are grateful to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for the assistance they offered to us. We are still going strong because of them. Furthermore, we would like to expand into other business ventures like Filling Station and Shopping Complex to ensure the youth and broader community gain access to economic opportunities through our Centre” concluded.