From Zola 2, Soweto to Cum Laude
My name is Lebogang Stimane, a 21-year-old graduate from Zola 2, Soweto. I recently completed my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of the Free State, graduating Cum Laude. This achievement means everything to me – not only because of the hard work it took, but because of how far I have come. […]
From Hardship to Hope: Zandile’s Journey of Resilience and Gratitude
From hardship to hope: Zandile’s journey of resilience and gratitude At just 22 years old, Zandile Philda carries a story that speaks to the power of perseverance, love, and the life-changing impact of support. Her journey – from loss and adversity to education and employment – is a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets […]
From Passion to Partnership
From passion to partnership Oratile Matlala , Ntokozo Dube, and Simphiwe Msila, three passionate individuals with a shared vision, came together to form ONS Creative Solutions – a tiling and painting company that is making waves in Soweto. Their journey began at Emdeni Skills Development Centre, as Tiling and Painting students. The course at Emdeni […]
Prue’s Kitchen is open for business
The Emdeni Skills Development Centre (ESDC) is a place where young people from different corners of Soweto come to realise their dreams. The skills training courses equip young people with the knowledge and skills that provide them with access to opportunities for earning a livelihood. Prudence Nyembe (35) is a young businesswoman from Emdeni South, […]
From Humble Beginnings to Empowering Change
Itumeleng Segona (32) grew up in Tladi, Soweto, and was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her and her siblings. Envisioning a successful future was hard, but Itumeleng’s relentless will to succeed instilled a deep sense of resilience in her. After matriculating, Itumeleng enrolled in the computer training course at […]
From Assistant Chef student to Private Chef…
From Assistant Chef student to Private Chef Hi, my name is Kagiso Tatsi Motswanedi… Alumni of the Emdeni Skills Development Centre (ESDC) – private chef, caterer and event host. My career as a filmmaker was cut short when I was diagnosed with multiple mental conditions and I found solace in cooking. In 2022, I enrolled […]
Opening the door to your future
We wish to gratefully honour Harambe Technologies for turning 3 inexperienced yet, deserving youngsters into PIONEERS experiencing employment! In May 2024, these three young men spent a day with their peers, all tensed up for formal Harambe job interviews. They certainly showed character by supporting each other, despite each one’s personal yearning for a door […]
Skills training redirected my life path
Bongani was a young college dropout and figured that education beyond matric was not for him. That was until he came across a Facebook post calling for people to apply for courses at the Emdeni Skills Development Centre (ESDC). He visited the centre the very next day to apply for the Tiling and Painting three-month […]
Thank you for the opportunity to reach my dreams
Westbury is a complicated suburb in the west of Johannesburg, that can be described as the epicenter of gangsterism and a “no-go” area when a drug war breaks out. Abraham Kriel Bambanani (AKB) has served in the community of Westbury for 17 years. Although we have had a few challenges in the area, we are […]
Using his energy for good
Abner was a beneficiary in our home-based care programme in Westbury for 9 years and has many fond memories of when he was in the programme. The 2010 FIFA World Cup was an incredible time for many South Africans, but as an orphan from a poor township, Abner could not imagine that he would ever […]