WELCOME TO
COMMUNITY RISE UTHANDO
A charitable organization dedicated to driving social transformation and community growth
Empowering Communities
Community Rise Uthando is a development centre rooted in the spirit of generosity, with a primary focus on making a significant impact on local communities. The centre covers a wide range of community-oriented initiatives, including a disability help desk, skills development, food resilience, after-school care, senior citizen support, and a substance abuse programme.
Our Vision
To be a one-stop community centre addressing all issues and problems.
About Community Rise Uthando
Our Mission
We empower the community to change people's lives by sharing information, advice, and experiences.
A specialised support service intended to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and the information, services, tools, benefits, opportunities, or environments they need.
Senior Citizen Support
It focuses on a variety of structured health, educational, social, and safety programmes designed to serve and benefit older adults.
Substance Abuse Programs
Community Rise Uthando is also dedicated to offering a rigorous and structured programme created with the aim of preventing, reducing, or treating the misuse of drugs and/alcohol.
Participants from the 2025 Agricultural Programme
Agricultural Programme
The centre of love, care, and generosity — Community Rise Uthando — entered into a meaningful and exciting partnership with the National Youth Service (NYS). This compelling collaboration between the two community-oriented organisations was established to empower youth in our local communities to gain and develop expertise in the field of agriculture.
Through this association, the partners developed and implemented an agricultural programme. The programme commenced on 1 August 2025 and focused on educating the youth about the importance of food resilience and backyard gardening. Beyond its main focus, the programme also outlined the diverse careers involved in agriculture and prepared the participants to be work-ready.
Twenty-five young people successfully completed the programme and acquired knowledge in food resilience and backyard gardening, while also developing horticultural skills. In addition, some participants expressed interest in pursuing agricultural careers, demonstrating the positive impact of the partnership.
Beauty Course
Community Rise Uthando and Outreach Foundation formed and nurtured an impactful collaboration mainly intended to develop and uplift women in the beauty space. The partners introduced an engaging and intensive beauty course which began on 1 June 2025. The course consisted of 75 motivated unemployed women from our local community and surrounding areas, with a primary focus on make-up techniques and nail care.
As a result of the programme, the female participants enhanced their knowledge in the beauty field and acquired nail care and make-up skills. The course also fostered entrepreneurial skills among participants and enabled them to become self-sufficient. Ultimately, the programme concluded successfully with the participants receiving their certificates of competence.
Disability Help Desk & Support Group
The Disability Help Desk & Support Group was established to advocate for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in our community. The initiative focuses on empowering individuals by equipping them with the tools, confidence, and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in society and the workforce.
The Help Desk began in 2022 with only 4 members and has now grown to support 41 beneficiaries. Since its establishment, it has assisted more than 100 participants with CV development, job readiness training, and guidance on applying for employment opportunities and learnerships. Through these practical interventions, individuals who previously struggled to access the job market have gained the confidence and skills to pursue employment.
“Before joining the Help Desk, I didn’t know how to apply for jobs. Now I feel confident sending out my CV and even landed my first internship!” — Lulama Vuso, a qualified Office Administrator (NQF Level 4)
Beyond employment support, the programme also runs a support group platform, providing a safe and welcoming space where participants can openly discuss their challenges, share experiences, and encourage one another. This support network has helped reduce feelings of isolation while strengthening resilience and self-belief among members.
“Before I found the Help Desk, I didn't think anyone would hire me. The support group gave me my confidence back, and today I am working in a position I love.” — Anonymous member, qualified as a Jewellery Designer (NQF Level 4)
As a result of the programme, several participants have successfully applied for job opportunities and learnerships, while many others have improved their professional skills and personal confidence. The Disability Help Desk continues to play a vital role in promoting inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in the community.
Leaders of the substance abuse initiative
The programme’s core purpose is prevention through education. Its mission is to reduce substance abuse in our communities by focusing on prevention, recovery support, and second chances. Through education, mentorship, and lived experience, it aims to help individuals reclaim their lives and become positive contributors to society.
Having successfully completed the programme and overcome substance abuse themselves, Manqoba and Thabane made a commitment to help others avoid the same struggles. Today, they conduct regular substance abuse awareness sessions in Higher Primary Schools and High Schools, where they openly share their personal stories and educate learners about:
• The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse
• The long-term impact of addiction on families and communities
• Making healthy life choices
• Resisting peer pressure
These sessions are designed to empower young people with knowledge and help them make informed and positive decisions about their future.
Supporting Those Still Struggling — Beyond awareness, the programme also supports individuals who are currently battling addiction. The team provides pre-rehabilitation assistance, which includes:
• Guidance and counselling
• Emotional and motivational support
• Assistance with rehabilitation placement processes
• Connecting individuals with rehabilitation centres
This support helps individuals stay motivated and prepared while waiting to be admitted into rehabilitation facilities.
Work in Correctional Services — For the past five years, Manqoba Nkunzi has also been conducting substance abuse awareness programmes within Correctional Services, where he engages with inmates to share his recovery journey and encourage them to choose a new path. His work in correctional facilities focuses on:
• Rehabilitation and behavioural change
• Encouraging accountability and personal growth
• Inspiring inmates to rebuild their lives after incarceration
The greatest evidence of the programme’s impact is found in its leaders, Manqoba and Thabane. Having once battled substance abuse themselves, they are now the driving force behind the very initiative that helped them reclaim their lives. Today, they have transitioned from being individuals in need of support to influential community leaders who have dedicated their lives to prevention and restoration.
Community Rise Uthando Disability Family
Press Release
Soweto, South Africa – Community Rise Uthando, a non-profit organisation committed to empowering local communities and transforming people’s lives, is proud to make a formal announcement regarding its three key achievements since its establishment. These milestones demonstrate the growth, impact, and reach of the organisation, thereby highlighting its influence.
From the outset, the organisation has been devoted to driving community growth through its diverse, inclusive, and effective initiatives. These initiatives serve individuals of all ages — including children, adults, and seniors — and address crucial areas such as employment opportunities, skills development, health, education, awareness, substance abuse, disability, and food resilience.
One of the organisation’s key achievements is the establishment of partnerships within the first three years of its founding. Community Rise Uthando has successfully formed strategic alliances with more than five key stakeholders during this period. These partnerships play a vital role in providing resources and expertise, enabling the organisation to better serve its beneficiaries.
Another significant milestone is the organisation’s geographic expansion. The organisation has successfully extended its reach from a single local community to more than five local communities. This expansion demonstrates growth and strengthens community impact.
The last milestone concerns a media feature. The impactful work of Community Rise Uthando was recently recognised and featured in a prominent local newspaper. This media coverage contributes to the growing public awareness and influence of the organisation’s initiatives.
“It is a great pleasure to say that the organisation has reached several key milestones thus far,” says Mr Philani Nkosi, a member of the Board of Directors at Community Rise Uthando. “With the addition and support of new sponsors and donors, we can be a powerful force that empowers even more communities.”
For enquiries or more information, please contact:
Thandiwe Maseko
Director
Community Rise Uthando
+27 68 025 7973
cruthando@gmail.com
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
HIV/AIDS Policy
Community Rise Uthando is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and non-discriminatory environment for all employees, volunteers, beneficiaries, stakeholders, and community members. Through this policy, Community Rise Uthando aims to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, and provide support to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS within the organisation and the wider community.
Community Rise Uthando respects the right of all employees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to privacy and confidentiality regarding their HIV status. Disclosure of HIV status is voluntary, and any information shared with the organisation will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Discrimination and Education
The organisation maintains a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment, or victimisation based on HIV status. Community Rise Uthando promotes dignity, equality, and inclusion through HIV/AIDS awareness and educational programmes aimed at reducing stigma within the organisation and community.
Employment, Volunteering and Access to Services
HIV testing will not be required as a condition of employment, volunteering, programme participation, or access to services. Individuals living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive fair treatment and support, including referrals to relevant healthcare and support services where necessary.
Counselling and Support
Community Rise Uthando is committed to providing access to counselling, support, and referral services for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. The organisation also encourages voluntary counselling and testing.
Occupational Exposure and Safety
The organisation will promote infection prevention measures and provide access to appropriate medical assessment and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) services where occupational exposure to HIV is suspected.
Confidentiality and Disclosure
Online Reputation Management Strategy
In the digital era, the reputation of an organisation is one of its most valuable assets. Maintaining a professional and positive online reputation is essential for Community Rise Uthando, as it has a direct impact on various stakeholders, including communities, beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, and employees. The aim of the Online Reputation Management Strategy (ORMS) is to protect and enhance the organisation’s reputation by ensuring an effective and consistent digital presence
Content Management
Community Rise Uthando will regularly publish accurate, relevant, and engaging content across its website, blogsite, and social media platforms. The content will focus on organisational updates, community initiatives, success stories, awareness campaigns, events, and achievements of stakeholders and the organisation.
Organisational Voice
As a community-focused NPO supported by various donors, the organisation will maintain a professional, respectful, empathetic, and warm tone across all digital platforms and communication channels. All communication will reflect the values of Community Rise Uthando, including dignity, respect, inclusivity, transparency, professionalism and community empowerment.
Organisational Monitoring
The digital communications team of Community Rise Uthando will continuously monitor online mentions, comments, private messages, and discussions relating to the organisation across the website, blogsite, and all social media platforms. Monitoring will assist in identifying stakeholder concerns, misinformation, emerging issues, and opportunities for engagement.
Social Media Engagement
The organisation will actively engage with stakeholders by responding to comments, messages, and enquiries in a timely and professional manner on all social media platforms. Utilising platforms that allow for two-way communication and the exchange of information helps address issues and strengthen relationships with stakeholders.
Review Management
Community Rise Uthando will acknowledge and respond to online feedback, including reviews, in a respectful and constructive manner. Positive reviews will be appreciated and may be strategically used to amplify the organisation’s impact, while negative reviews will be acknowledged and used to resolve issues and make improvements.
Crisis Management
In the event of an organisational crisis, Community Rise Uthando will quickly analyse the situation and draft a factual, transparent, and non-defensive official statement to address the issue. The official response will be communicated through established channels, including the website, blogsite, and all social media platforms, and appropriate corrective actions will be taken.
Review and Evaluation
The Online Reputation Management Strategy (ORMS) is a living document and will be reviewed annually by the communications team to ensure it remains effective in protecting and enhancing Community Rise Uthando’s reputation in the digital landscape.
Integrated Brand Marketing Plan
An Integrated Brand Marketing Plan (IBMP) is a strategic document that outlines how an organisation will consistently communicate its brand message through various communication channels to achieve its objectives. It involves all communication channels working together to convey the same brand message, values, and identity.
It is imperative for Community Rise Uthando to determine the communication methods that will be leveraged to reach the target audience and deliver a consistent and unified message. This will include the coordinated use of digital platforms and traditional media to help strengthen brand presence and visibility.
Primary Digital Platforms
The website and blogsite will both serve as the primary destinations and sources of information about Community Rise Uthando. The website and blogsite will be used to share comprehensive information regarding organisational updates, community programmes, events, success stories, and achievements of stakeholders and the organisation.
Social Media
Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube, will serve as teasers and share brief information related to the in-depth content that will be featured on the website and blogsite. The information shared on these platforms will also include organisational updates, community programmes, events, success stories, and achievements of stakeholders and the organisation, presented as short descriptions.
Traditional Media
Community Rise Uthando will utilise newspapers, radio stations, magazines, and press releases to announce community initiatives, organisational events, and to increase public awareness of the organisation’s community impact. This approach will help in building credibility, as well as in reaching and influencing a wider target audience.
Get In Touch
Questions or Comments
1607 Kanya Road, Senaoane, Chiawelo, 1818
Thandiwe Maseko Director Phone: 068 025 7973 Email: CRUTHANDO@GMAIL.COM
Hours
Mon 09:00 - 18:00 Tues 09:00 - 18:00 Wed 09:00 - 18:00 Thur 09:00 - 18:00 Fri 09:00 - 18:00 Sat 10:00 - 13:00 Sun Closed
Support Community Rise Uthando's Mission
Donate Now
Your generous contributions help us sustain our community-oriented initiatives, enabling us to empower local communities and transform lives. Every donation counts - no contribution is too small to make a difference.
Bank: First National Bank
Account Type: Gold Business Account
Account Number: 63093278422
Branch Code: 250655 (FNB Universal Branch Coder)
Reference: Your initials + phone number (e.g TLO830000000)
PBO: 93006882
NPO: 297
Thank you for your heart for our communities! Your support makes our work possible. Please Whatsapp your proof of payment to 068 025 7973 so we can personally acknowledge your kindness.
Partnerships
There are several key partners that Community Rise Uthando collaborates with, and they play a vital role in ensuring that the organisation contributes significantly to local communities and makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Without the support of these partners, Community Rise Uthando would not have been able to implement some of its capacity-building and life-changing community initiatives.
The organisation’s key partners include:
• City of Joburg
• Momentum
• National Youth Service (NYS)
• Youth Build
• Senaoane Clinic
• Isizinda Sempilo
• Senao-Phiri Primary Co-Op
• SA Partners
• Kasi Heroes