At a time where skills development is imperative for the youth in South Africa, seeing the City of Cape Town’s Community Development Worker (CDW) programme team up with a small business that empowers females comes as brilliant news.
As part of the grassroots project, R50 000 has been dedicated to the business founded by Nandipha Tokoyi who hails from Khayelitsha, in a tar making initiative.
Roads definitely need some tender love and care in South Africa, with potholes and poorly maintained roadworks serving as a huge headache for locals.
“The CDW programme as part of its commitment this financial year has injected a sum of R50 000 towards supporting the business, and these funds were used to buy materials and equipment. This has allowed for the employment of eight female youth community members, with the intention to hire and transfer skills to an additional 10 female beneficiaries,” says the City of Cape Town.
Nandipha learnt how to make tar from a previous work experience, and decided to serve her community with her skills.
“The process involves buying tar in 25kg bags and processing this for fixing private residential pathways/driveways mainly around the Khayelitsha area. The project is however expanding, and opportunities are being created beyond the Khayelitsha boundaries,” adds the City.
“There is so much untapped potential in our marginalised communities that can be unlocked with the right support. Showcasing a programme like the CDW programme can also hopefully inspire residents to pursue their own creative or unconventional business ideas. Life in South Africa is full of challenges, and there is money to be made if residents can come up with innovative solutions,” says Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management.
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