Vuka hub opens in Edenvale to equip women with skills and opportunities

Edenvale was bustling with inspiration with the launch of Vuka, the women’s upliftment hub.

Over 50 community members came together to celebrate the launch of Vuka.

Held on Women’s Day at Khanyisa, the launch of the women’s upliftment hub saw community members unite and come together.

The community-led initiative is aimed at empowering, uplifting, and equipping women with skills.

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The day opened with a prayer from local chaplain and Ward 19 Social and Health Committee member, Silvia Tufegdzic.

This was followed by Alderman Heather Hart’s vision for Vuka, which was shared by Lisa Atkins of Essentially Edenvale, as Hart was unable to attend.

Guest speakers Mandy Kayser and Roseanne Areington from MADS (Media Advertising Development Services) and CX Credibility SA shared practical tools for NPOs, engaging the audience with a thought-provoking balloon exercise.

Khanyisa’s executive committee member, Lorraine van Hoesslin, spoke about and shared Khanyisa’s mission and its commitment to the Vuka partnership, while Lelanie Le Roux from Tree of Hope and Le Roux Schools shared moving stories of mothers choosing empowerment over abandonment, and donated handmade keyrings, chocolates, and event décor.

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Nikita Lincoln, current Miss Junior SA, Top Model, and Miss Junior Universe, encouraged young women to dream big and pledged her support as Vuka’s ambassador.

Thanks were extended to Nerina Lincoln, Diane Gomes, Irma Fitchett, Caroline Overbeek, Mamba Security, Heather Lawlor, Mavis Mulhari, Corrie Hurter, Meda Nlemo, Mark Verhoogt, Cwenga Koyana, and Des Squire, as well as the community, for making the launch possible.

Vuka will officially start its skills classes in September, with sewing, crochet, embroidery, and other training programmes led by local experts and volunteers.