A Vulamathuba Empumelelo initiative in collaboration with Life Changers and Common Good.

At Vulamathuba Empumelelo, we aim to empower individuals in under-resourced communities to break the cycle of poverty through access to learning, skills development, and employment readiness. This June, we proudly celebrated the graduation of eleven participants from the Job Journey Course, a nine-day intensive training hosted at our Community Learning Centre in Brooklyn, Cape Town.

This initiative equips job seekers with technical tools and the mindset and confidence needed to access and sustain employment. It is one of many strategic interventions that support Vulamathuba’s goal of enabling upward economic mobility for residents in Communicare’s social housing communities and beyond.

Skills for the modern workplace

The Job Journey Course adopts a holistic approach to job readiness, blending personal development, digital literacy, and employability skills. Over nine days, participants were trained in:

  • Self-awareness and values discovery
  • Professional ethics and accountability
  • Time management and workplace discipline
  • Digital literacy (emails, job platforms, MS Word)
  • CV writing and cover letter development
  • Interview preparation and communication skills
  • Career planning and action mapping

This comprehensive design ensures that graduates are skilled, confident, reflective, and workplace-ready.

From self-doubt to self-worth

The course begins with deep self-reflection, asking participants to consider fundamental questions like “Who am I?”, “What values do I hold?”, and “What strengths can I offer?”. This phase lays the groundwork for meaningful career development.

“I walked into that first session believing I was just another unemployed individual with no qualifications. However, as we delved into our values and strengths, I realised I had been actively contributing to my community by assisting elderly neighbours with their medication schedules and doctor appointments.” — Vuyokazi, 23, Khayelitsha

This powerful realisation reframed her sense of worth—and revealed the qualities employers seek: compassion, organisation, and reliability.

Bridging the digital divide

For some, this course marked the first time they used a computer. Participants learned to navigate email, create documents, and access online job platforms.

“When I opened that laptop, something clicked. I realised I could do this.” — Sisi Thandi

“I had been battling to write my CV for months, just staring at a blank page. During the workshop, I learned to translate my life experiences into professional skills. Suddenly, I saw myself as someone who managed household budgets, coordinated family schedules, and solved conflicts—indeed, project management skills!” — Khanyisa Precious Kope, 33, Reyger Court

These skills now open doors to job opportunities previously out of reach.

Transformative mindset shifts

The Job Journey doesn’t just build skills, it reshapes mindsets. One participant’s story stood out for its honesty and growth:

“On day five, as we discussed accountability, I had a powerful realisation. I blamed everything—the economy, employers, even luck—for my situation. It was eye-opening to learn from our facilitator that taking ownership doesn’t mean accepting blame; it means understanding what I can actually control and change in my life.” — Thembela Precious Nokhemane, 33, Bothasig Gardens

The change was visible. According to facilitator Xolile Makutoana:

“By the end of the course, Sipho was actively helping others identify their transferable skills. He approached problems with solutions instead of complaints.”

Measurable outcomes & lasting impact

The course concluded with an 85% completion rate. Each graduate left with:

  • A professionally formatted CV and tailored cover letter
  • A digital skills foundation
  • Interview readiness
  • Increased confidence and self-belief
  • A clear action plan for next steps
  • A certificate of completion

“The emotional and psychological growth among participants has been remarkable. Many expressed feeling more hopeful about their job prospects, confident in their abilities, and equipped to navigate the employment landscape. They left with a clear sense of purpose about their next steps.” — Xolile Makutoana, Facilitator, Life Changers

A response to real community challenges

Vulamathuba Empumelelo’s research shows that many unemployed individuals are eager to work, but face multiple barriers: outdated CVs, low confidence, digital illiteracy, and a lack of exposure to workplace culture.

“Research highlights that unemployment can have severe psychological and social consequences. Building self-esteem and confidence is crucial, as seeking employment with a weak sense of self can hinder job search success.” — Nomfundo Kalipa, Programme Coordinator, Vulamathuba Empumelelo

This intervention directly responds to those challenges by creating sustainable, long-term pathways to employment, not just short-term fixes.

Building strategic partnerships for empowerment

Vulamathuba provides the venue, participant recruitment, and follow-up support, while Life Changers contributes curriculum expertise and facilitation. Together, we ensure that each cycle of the Job Journey Course delivers quality, consistency, and community impact.

Courses run quarterly from our accessible Community Learning Centre in Brooklyn, serving Communicare tenants and surrounding neighbourhoods in Cape Town.

“We’re not just creating job seekers; we’re nurturing empowered individuals who are ready to embrace their futures with confidence and the right set of skills for employability.” — Xolile Makutoana

Beyond graduation: A ripple effect in communities

Graduates often become community advocates, inspiring others to pursue their development journeys.

“We believe that measuring success goes beyond job placements. We track participants’ ongoing growth, link them with resources for further education, and long-term career advancement.”

Our follow-up support helps graduates with job retention, career progression, and overcoming workplace challenges, creating lasting, resilient change.

“The Job Journey Course has once again proven to be a life-changing platform, equipping individuals with essential work readiness skills, emotional resilience, and confidence. We are excited to see how the 11 graduates will continue to grow and thrive on their paths toward employment and empowerment.” — Xolile Makutoana

Want to join the next intake?

If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step toward employment, we’re here to help.

📍 Vulamathuba Community Learning Centre 98 Justin Street, Brooklyn, Cape Town 📩 applications@vulamathuba.org.za 📞 021 421 6008

Let’s build an empowered and resilient society together.