Lawrence Mashabela
​Zama Mahlinza, a 31-year-old Afrika Tikkun alumna, is living her passion of working with children. Growing up in Alexandra township, Mahlinza cherishes the opportunity to nurture children, help improve their lives, and support them in realizing their full potential.
"I love my children so much, and I enjoy coming to work every morning," she shared. She added that her work with children has not only helped her grow as an individual but also taught her patience and understanding.
Mahlinza praised Afrika Tikkun for its incredible work with children and its efforts to uplift young people in Alexandra. She emphasized the organization's significant impact on those who, like her, had once lost hope.
"Every young person deserves the opportunity to be empowered and become economically active. Afrika Tikkun is doing just that – empowering the youth. We, the young people of Alex, are proud that the organization is adding so much value to our community," Mahlinza said.
She also highlighted the need for more organizations like Afrika Tikkun in communities facing high levels of unemployment and substance abuse.
"If we had more centres like Afrika Tikkun, they could keep young people busy and help steer them away from negative influences, like crime and substance abuse," she added.
Mahlinza, who has always aspired to become a psychologist, joined Afrika Tikkun, funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in 2016. She credits the organization with reigniting her dreams.
"From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a psychologist, and now Afrika Tikkun is helping me realize that dream," she said.
When she first joined the centre, Mahlinza only had a Grade 12 certificate and no additional qualifications or technical training. Since then, she has earned certificates in computer training and entrepreneurship, and she is now a qualified child and youth care worker, permanently employed at Afrika Tikkun.
In 2019, Mahlinza was selected for the Department of Social Development's Child and Youth Care Worker Learnership Programme. This opportunity opened doors for her to pursue further studies, and she is currently enrolled in a Social Auxiliary Work program. She expressed her deep gratitude to both the Department and Afrika Tikkun for giving her the chance to turn her life around.
Mahlinza first learned about Afrika Tikkun through Alex FM and took the opportunity with both hands. She encourages other young people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by government funded NPOs in their areas.