New home for Zikulise
FOR 10 years the Zikulise Community Upliftment Project has been operating out of the Empangeni Arts and Crafts Centre in the heart of Empangeni.
When the uMhlathuze Municipality decided this year not to renew its lease, it meant creative thinking and a fresh start for this non-profit community organisation that facilitates training for unskilled locals in an effort to find them places in the job market, or to become self-employed.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, Zikulise has managed to maintain a presence alongside the original Arts and Crafts Centre buildings - now named the SMME One-stop Shop - while also securing a Richards Bay branch thanks to valued support from the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation (ZCBF).
At these two premises income-generating courses are presented, mainly focused on baking, traditional bead weaving, textile art, sewing, hair braiding and small business management skills.
‘The moves were successful as we were supported by generous donors. The positive outcome is that we now also have a branch in Richards Bay. So, everything has turned out well,’ said founder and Executive Director of Zikulise, Julie Jonson.
Those wishing to learn more about Zikulise, or apply for skills training either in Richards Bay or Empangeni, are invited to contact the Zikulise offices on 035 7925477.