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.

Beauty and Nail Care 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.1

Disability Help Desk & Support Group

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.