A local non-profit organisation in Cosmo City is working to keep young girls away from drugs, teenage pregnancy, and crime by focusing on their talents.

Simunye Global Organisation was founded by Leboang Mdlalana. He said the organisation supports children who may not be strong in academics, but have other gifts and passions. “We know that not everyone is educationally active. So, we try to motivate children through their talents, making sure they focus on what they love.”

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He explained that the idea came after seeing growing social problems in Cosmo City, including corruption and young people spending too much time on the streets. The organisation aims to give children a safe space where they can grow, build confidence, and stay away from harmful behaviour.

Since it started, Simunye Global Organisation has grown quickly. It now supports 129 children with the number increasing daily.

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Mdlalana said running the organisation is not easy. “It’s very, very difficult to run an organisation like this. Children come from different homes, and that means they have different attitudes. It can be hard for them to adjust and work together.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Simunye Global organisation member Kokesto Mogano explains what the NPO is all about. Video: Nkazimulo Ncube #Randburg #NPO ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

He added that poverty is another major challenge. Some children come from households that are struggling financially, while others are in a better position. This can create feelings of inequality among the girls. “You find that some have better clothes than others. That is why, at the beginning of the year, we need things like school shoes, stationery, and school bags, so that all the children can feel the same and feel comfortable around each other.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Simunye Global organisation members practice a dance routine and also practice a song. Video: Nkazimulo Ncube #Randburg #NPO ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Despite the challenges, Mdlalana remains committed to the cause. He believes that when children are given support and encouraged to develop their talents, they are less likely to turn to drugs or other risky behaviour.

For many families in Cosmos City, Simunye Global Organisation has become a place of hope, and for 129 girls, it is a second home.

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