Vulamathuba Empumelelo partnership with SAEP  and LoveLife produces new graduates ready to serve their communities

Four women from diverse backgrounds walked across the graduation stage this month as newly qualified Social Auxiliary Workers, marking the successful completion of a learnership programme that has transformed not only their professional prospects but their entire outlook on life.

Perm Mtshali, 43, Nomvuyo Gcaza, 41, Zingisa Mbiko, 30, and Tuliswa Mhlakaza, 36, completed their qualifications through a partnership between Vulamathuba Empumelelo, the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP), and LoveLife demonstrating how a network of social partners  targeting community development can create pathways to redressing unemployment and into meaningful careers.

Breaking barriers in social development

The Social Auxiliary Work Learnership addresses a critical need in South Africa’s social development sector, where qualified practitioners are essential for supporting vulnerable communities. According to the South African Council for Social Service Professions, Social Auxiliary Workers play a vital role in providing community-based services and critical support to Social Workers.

“This programme doesn’t merely hand out qualifications—it transforms individuals into disciplined, knowledgeable members of society,” explains Noma-Afrika Nkwenkwe-Maxwele, Vulamathuba Manager. The initiative combines academic theory with practical application, supported by, stipends, and comprehensive mentorship.

The partnership with SAEP and LoveLife, which focuses on Early Childhood Development and psychosocial support has enabled the programme to provide both theoretical grounding and real-world experience in community development work.

Personal journeys of transformation

Each graduate’s story reflects the programme’s impact beyond academic achievement, touching on personal growth, resilience, and renewed purpose.

Finding purpose after a setback

Nomvuyo Gcaza, 41, discovered skills in facilitation and leadership that she never knew she possessed. Now employed at SAEP, she reflects emotionally on her journey: “I didn’t expect this opportunity to unfold like this. Vulamathuba was my guardian angel.”

For Gcaza, the programme has opened doors to further education, with scholarship opportunities now within reach. Her current role allows her to serve her community with enhanced skills and confidence.

Communication as a life-changing skill

Zingisa Mbiko, 31, credits the programme with teaching her “the art of communication,” a skill that has transformed her worldview. While currently working as an administrative clerk at a grassroot NGO, her optimism remains unwavering as she plans to pursue a social work degree.

“I had to find myself first,” Mbiko explains. “This programme didn’t just change my academics—it changed how I view life.” Her message to the organisation is clear: “Please continue creating these opportunities. People like us need this.”

From despair to employment

Perm Mtshali, 43, nearly abandoned her educational aspirations before discovering the programme. Now employed as a qualified Social Auxiliary Worker, she became emotional during the celebration: “I was about to give up. Vulamathuba believed in me when I didn’t. This is more than I ever imagined.”

The practical components of the programme, including work in real communities addressing actual problems, provided Mtshali with valuable hands-on experience that directly translated to employment opportunities.

Full circle success

Tuliswa Mhlakaza, 36, describes herself as a “walking miracle” thanks to Vulamathuba. After losing her job during economic downturns, she now works for Vulamathuba itself—a full-circle moment that exemplifies the programme’s impact.

“When you have a qualification, no one can take that from you. It becomes your safety net,” Mhlakaza says, advocating for other women to invest in their education and skills development.

Addressing skills development challenges

The success of these graduates comes against the backdrop of South Africa’s significant skills development challenges. According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s unemployment rate remains critically high, particularly affecting women and youth.

The Department of Higher Education and Training has identified Social Auxiliary Work as a priority skill area, with growing demand for qualified practitioners in community development, child protection, and social support services.

Programmes like this one demonstrate the effectiveness of partnership approaches. When organisations combine resources and expertise, they can create meaningful pathways for individuals while addressing sectoral skills needs.

Programme model and impact

The Vulamathuba-SAEP partnership represents a comprehensive approach to skills development that includes:

  • Academic Foundation: Accredited Social Auxiliary Work curriculum meeting South African Qualifications Authority standards
  • Financial Support: learnership reducing financial barriers to education
  • Practical Experience: Community-based placements providing real-world application
  • Mentorship: Ongoing support addressing both academic and personal development needs
  • Employment Pathways: Direct links to job opportunities in the social development sector

The programme’s success rate, with all four participants achieving qualification and three securing immediate employment as social auxiliary workers, suggests the effectiveness of this integrated approach.

Looking forward

As these four graduates embark on their professional careers, their stories serve as inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Their experiences demonstrate that with appropriate support and opportunity, individuals can transform their circumstances while contributing to community development.

Vulamathuba Empumelelo continues to seek partnerships and funding to expand such programmes, recognising the dual benefit of individual empowerment and community service capacity building.

For prospective applicants, the organisation provides information and support through the Vulamathuba Community Learning Centre (located at 98 Justin St, Brooklyn, Cape Town) or via email at admin@vulamathuba.org.za, with telephone support available at 021 421 6008.