Education and opportunities: Transforming lives through Vulamathuba

The Vulamathuba Social Auxiliary Work Learnership is a lifeline for those ready to change their lives and communities. Designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to create meaningful social change, the learnership provides theoretical training, practical placements, and essential support through stipends and training fees. It’s more than a qualification; it’s about unlocking potential and opening doors to brighter futures.

Here are four powerful stories of learners who recently completed their Further Education Training Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work Level 4 with the help of the Vulamathuba Empumelelo.

 

Perm Mtshali: Proof that it’s never too late to start over

Life had been a series of uphill battles for 43-year-old Perm Mtshali from Luzuko, Cape Town. A single mother of two, she had worked tirelessly to provide for her family, yet she always felt called to do more. When she discovered Vulamathuba’s learnership programme, she saw it as the chance to fulfil a long-held dream.

“I thought I was too old to go back to school,” Perm admits, “but this programme showed me that growth has no age limit.” Balancing her studies and family, she gained a qualification, confidence, and new life skills.

Her advice: “Take the leap. If you’re willing to work hard, Vulamathuba will meet you halfway and push you further than you imagined.”

 

 

 

Nomvuyo Gcaza: Building a legacy for her daughters

For Nomvuyo, a 35-year-old mother from Eerste River, Cape Town, joining the learnership was about setting an example for her three daughters. “I wanted them to see that no matter where you begin, you can always climb higher.”

Through her placements at the South African Education Project (SAEP), Nomvuyo learned to lead with empathy and make a real difference in her community. “The training taught me to understand people deeply and to see the strength in their stories.”

Today, she’s a qualified Social Auxiliary Worker, but more importantly, a living testament to perseverance. “This isn’t just my achievement—it’s my family’s. And it’s just the beginning.”

 

 

 

Zingisa Mbiko: Turning adversity into opportunity

Growing up in Philippi East, Zingisa Mbiko faced challenges that could have stopped her in her tracks—battling tuberculosis during school and struggling with financial hardship. Yet, she found her second chance through Vulamathuba.

“The programme didn’t just teach me skills; it gave me hope,” Zingisa shares. Her practical experience with SAEP taught her to combine compassion with action, turning her past struggles into tools for helping others.

Her message to others is, “Your circumstances don’t define you. With the right support, you can create your own success story.”

 

 

 

Tuliswa Mhlakaza: From struggles to strength

Born in 1988 in Paarl East, Tuliswa spent two years in the Eastern Cape before returning to Cape Town. Married with two children, her determination to raise her children differently inspired her to pursue the learnership.

“I grew up suffering, and I wanted a better life for my children,” Tuliswa shares. She discovered Vulamathuba through an internet search and was thrilled to receive a bursary supporting adult learners. “In South Africa, age restrictions often block opportunities. This programme eliminates those barriers.”

Her practical training at LoveLife and Vulamathuba and theoretical studies through Continued Education for Africa (CEFA) helped her master effective communication. “This skill transformed how I engage with clients, colleagues, and families. It improved my teamwork and empowered me to assist clients to make an informed decision,” she explains. With dreams of impacting more lives, Tuliswa encourages others: “Stay focused, believe in yourself, and never give up on your dreams.”

 

Empowering through education

Vulamathuba Empumelelo, which funds the learnership through their Economic Mobility Programme for participants to gain access to PIVITOL programmes, not only helped these learners gain a qualification but also assisted them in getting employment. All four learners are currently employed and have big plans to continue learning and growing. They are a testament to Vulamathuba’s aim to go beyond academics by providing financial and emotional guidance and professional mentorship. 

Nomvuyo Gcaza agrees with this sentiment, “Vulamathuba’s support was invaluable. The stipend they provided the learners eased the financial burden and helped me focus on my studies. Their emotional support, especially during challenging moments, kept me motivated and focused on my goals.” 

Perm Mtshali concurred, “Initially, my journey as a student was very challenging because I had to quit my job and study full time. Vulamathuba came to the rescue by paying my tuition and providing me with a stipend for necessities. That really helped me and my family through my study year. I do not regret resigning and taking this opportunity.”

Zingisa Mbiko appreciates the Vulamathuba learnership that helped her obtain her qualification, “I believe that this qualification will improve my standing within the workforce and show that I have the knowledge necessary for the social auxiliary work profession.  I believe it will open doors for me, for work and further opportunities”.

Tuliswa Mhlakaza said her education and experience at Vulamathuba “prepared me for success by equipping me with practical skills, confidence, effective communication, and real-world experience in social auxiliary work”.

From the above statements, it becomes clear that the organisation’s mission resonates with every graduate who completed the learnership.

Take that first step today

To learn more about Vulamathuba Empumelelo’s programmes, contact us at admin@vulamathuba.org.za or call us at 0214216008 for more information about the learnership and start your journey toward making a difference. Your story is waiting to be written.