NPO wants to bring development in Kathorus
A newly established NPO, Game Changers (GC), hopes to inspire development in the Kathorus Township.
Many Kathorus residents attended the group’s first programme at Vosloorus Civic Centre on May 25, where they engaged with various stakeholders including ABC-Clientele Life, Access Bank, Leratong Consulting and Trading (Pty) Ltd, HOD Youth Sector in Ward 47 and Kathorus Mail.
Residents learnt how to draft CVs and what business and job opportunities to consider. The youth considering studying journalism received advice on which steps to take.
GC chairperson Kagiso Maako said their programme speaks to development in general without a specific age target, as they target all unemployed people.
Maako said Rivonia Circle (RC) established GC, which inspired them because it wants to promote democracy, good governance and development in townships.
He said GC was formed in April after RC came to their community at Nguni Hall to meet with other groups.
GC is busy being registered as an NPO. Their executive includes Kagiso Maako (chairperson), Lydia Sibeko (treasurer), Thato Ntlaloe (communications), Petunia Maphisa (coordinator) and Nokuthula Mathipa (deputy coordinator).
“As GC they chose to focus on development regarding job opportunities, business opportunities and support, and every developmental aspect,” he explained.
“We want to inspire the community of Kathorus – first on matters of development. This is our first programme. We will be doing follow-ups because we have all the attendance registers and will create a database to track how many people have applied and how many placed.
“This programme will spread across Kathorus. We want to do more and work with people. We are within the community and will be interacting with them daily.”
It, however, seemed like there were mixed messages concerning the event’s purpose.
A Vosloorus resident Tshepo Nkosi said he was not happy with the programme because the information presented on the poster and what he found at the event was completely different.
He said a poster he saw in a WhatsApp group chat and status messages of youth leaders in the area suggested that they are getting jobs.
“You cannot use such terms to allure people. For me, it seemed like that. They need to conduct such programs in the township, but the manner that they are executing it now seems like it is all about the votes and giving people hope,” said Nkosi.
Despite being unpleased about the programme, Nkosi said people needed to hear a few pointers.
“Many people need that type of induction, leadership and mentoring in business. It is necessary, but I doubt this is how to handle it.”
Another resident Thabo Alafang said the session was very informative.
He is a freelance photographer and videographer but struggles to find permanent work due to his lack of qualifications.
“I got opportunities to offer my services as a freelancer and worked on a learnership, but that can sustain you to a certain point. After this session, I am considering furthering my studies and obtaining a qualification in photography and videography,” said Alafang.
Maako said he clarified the confusion when he explained the purpose before they started with the programme.
“This is not a project. It is not something that has a time frame. It is development-based as we discuss development, job and business opportunities.”
He said they would start a WhatsApp group to communicate with residents timeously.
For more information, contact Maako at 073 811 9802 or WhatsApp Hloni Khauoe at 079 696 0289.
