Leaders determined to develop Ngwelezana
IN a township engulfed with poverty, unemployment and drug addiction among the youth, a foundation has been launched to empower youngsters through skills training.
Young community leaders believe the answer lies in an abandoned bank building.
Members of the Green Chapter Foundation, led by Mpendulo Mbulawa and ward 28 Councillor Wiwi Gumede, have faith that the building could be turned into a training centre.
According to the pair, it could be a centre where young people can be empowered with skills while it serves a solution to eradicate poverty and unemployment.
Not only did they come up with the idea, but constructed a plan on how such a centre can be turned into the heart of the community which will add value to the area and improve the township’s economy.
"The building was infested with drug addicts, but we managed to engage with Department of Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina who offered us security to safeguard the structure before it was totally destroyed," said Mbulawa.
According to Mbulawa, they have had further engagements with Gina, as well as representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training, and South African Council for Graduates in partnering with them to secure the building and develop the centre.
"After engaging with the community on many occasions, we learned there is an outcry for such an institution to assist the community.
"Imagine a skills centre where everyone can develop skills that give them economic freedom, and where young people can support themselves.
"This place can assist with digital training, business training, and all the skills needed to develop our township," said Mbulawa.
He added that, after many years, a notice has been issued for proposals on the building.
"We have been waiting for this day for a long time, and we hope to be granted the opportunity. But if someone else lands it, we hope they can input some of our ideas on developing our youth," he said.