The Kwa-Thema Skills Centre received a fresh coat of paint and maintenance on July 17 in celebration of Mandela Day as more than 120 volunteers joined forces to restore the community facility and raise awareness of the services it offers.

The initiative, led by the Kwa-Thema Stakeholders Forum in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, brought together community organisations, businesses, councillors and residents.

Speaking to the African Reporter, Kwa-Thema Stakeholders Forum PRO Alcum Molapo said the forum chose the skills centre because it had been neglected for years and many residents were unaware of the opportunities available there.

“Our office is based here and we noticed that this place has been neglected for a very long time. We wanted to do something about it while also making people aware of the services available here,” he said.

Molapo said repainting the building was about more than improving its appearance. He explained that it did not look like a place where people could access valuable information that could transform their lives.

Molapo shared that the forum wanted to make it vibrant so that people passing by would be encouraged to come in and find out what is happening here.

He said the centre houses several community organisations and programmes, including Sanca offices, sewing projects, e-farming and e-art initiatives, programmes for senior citizens and information on opportunities available across Ekurhuleni.

The forum also received support from local businesses, with donations of paint, refreshments and catering helping to make the project possible.

“We were overwhelmed by the support from local businesses and community leaders. Their contributions ensured that volunteers were well looked after throughout the day,” said Molapo.

The forum deliberately focused on a single project this Mandela Day to maximise its impact and draw attention to the skills centre.

Molapo indicated that the renovation had already attracted interest from residents who stopped to ask about the activity and learn more about the services offered at the facility. He encouraged residents to continue serving their communities beyond Mandela Day.

“The spirit of Mandela should become part of our everyday lives. We should continue helping one another at home, in our workplaces and in our communities because every day should be Mandela Day,” he said.

Speaker of the City of Ekurhuleni John Senona told the publication that the metro supported the initiative because the skills centre plays an important role in empowering local residents.

“This centre is the heartbeat of the community. It is where people come to gain skills and improve their opportunities, so it was important that we restore it,” said Senona.

He said the centre equips residents with practical skills that can help them earn an income, particularly at a time of high unemployment.

Senona praised the partnership between the metro and the Kwa-Thema Stakeholders Forum, saying community organisations were vital in identifying local needs and working with government to address them.

“As public representatives, we are here to serve the people. Working hand in hand with the Kwa-Thema Stakeholders Forum helps us respond to the needs of our communities,” he said.

He urged residents to protect public facilities after the renovations. Senona said that the government can improve these facilities, but they belong to the community. It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard them.