Empowerment initiative launched in Birchleigh

Birchleigh residents gathered at the corner of Boekenhout and Matumi streets in Birchleigh on April 2 for the launch of Each One Teach One.

“Each One Teach One is a platform where a network of people in Birchleigh can teach each other and learn from each other,” said one of the founding members, Mojalefa Momoti.

Momoti said the network was a multi-racial, multi-issue initiative that seeks to address a number of learning areas within the community.

“Our mission is to make the new dawn a reality to all citizens of South Africa, regardless of economic status, race, religion or colour, as well as to serve humanity by ensuring access to economic, social and educational opportunities,” he added.

Some of the programmes discussed during meetings include business skills, economic development, community development, benefiting from Ekurhuleni’s budget, accessing job opportunities, accessing government services and youth empowerment.

Meetings will be held every second Saturday.

Momoti (34) started the initiative with Bohlale Rantseli (33).

“Rantseli and I saw the need in our community for access to information. A lot of young people in Ward 15 are involved in drugs because they don’t know how to move to the next level, especially after high school,” explained Momoti.

He pointed out that the initiative was not just for young people but also for aspirant business owners.

“We want to assist all people in our community to access information whether its bursaries, internships or learnerships, or even funding and training for business people.”

The guest speaker at the launch was Betty Malatji, who emphasised the importance of the initiative. Makau Maboza, the programme director, echoed this sentiment. Other speakers included Mandlenkosi Ndlovu, Momoti, Rantseli and Maphanga Maseko.

To learn more about the initiative, call Momoti on 083 884 1074 or Charles Manganye on 065 832 8410.

You may also email Mduduzi on jmaboza@gmail.com.