WATCH: Department endorses Believers Care Society

The Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) officially endorsed Believers Care Society (BCS) in Turffontein as a centre of excellence for youth development on June 28.

They also handed over certificates to 10 attending beneficiaries who completed their training, although they were 25 beneficiaries in total.

The overall intention of the centre’s programme is to address the training needs of young people while acting as a facilitating body to match training supply with workplace demand.

The multi-purpose centre will deliver services to vulnerable young people in a multi-faceted approach, taking into appreciation the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. The services of the centre are premised on four pillars of services: advisory and referrals, social programme and social work services, skills development, and entrepreneurship.

DSD regional director Nonhlanhla Mtimkulu said although BCS has been operational for years, they want to endorse it and create awareness of the projects rendered.

“The stakeholders who are here must support the youth and the centre so that it can produce more skilled people. We need sustainable projects and people who can sustain themselves.

“This launch will not only create platform for the public to fully understand the background, journey mission and vision of the organisation, leading to public support and effective partnerships, but it will also bring credibility to the centre,” she said.

Violet Sibanyoni, the chairperson of the BCS, said she grew up at the centre.

“We are a family here and we started in 2007 when we registered the centre with DSD and most of the projects started in 2009. Youth is our future and we need to nurture them. As Christians, we have a passion for youth. I want to celebrate all the beneficiaries, you are our celebrities,” noted Sibanyoni.

Ward 55 Clr Rashieda Landis was joined on stage by DSD chief director Solly Ndweni (development programme) to award the certificates to the beneficiaries.

One of the beneficiaries in hospitality, Mabontle Lefuthwane with her business Service Champs Waitering Service, said she started in difficult times in 2020 when Covid-29 hit.

“I had just resigned from my workplace to start this business, and then Covid struck. Through the grace of God we survived. Today I employ about 30 youth although sometimes it is a part-time job. This year has been great, we get bookings and we recently did a gig with eTV.

“BCS equipped me with skills when I was fresh from school. I did my computer course here. The centre manager, Alexander Iheme, gave us the motivation to go on. Now in my family, I’m the only one with a formal business and they are supporting me. I also train other students from BCS, and they are placed permanently in jobs,” she said.

Iheme said things just don’t happen, but hard work pays off. He referred to one of the beneficiaries, Ayanda Ndimande, who is the CEO of Ayanda Films that won The Best Local Film Award at the Live Your Dreams Youth SA Awards in Durban.

“Ayanda is the testimonial that things just don’t happen. He chose the right path and his character matches what he is doing. This man came here as a drama teacher and today he employs other people in his company,” noted Iheme.

Other dignitaries present included Ward 124 Clr Mongameli Mnyameni, Khomotso Dlamini from SANCA, Boipuso Mashigo from UJ, Dali Ramncwana from SEDA, Vusi Mazibuko from Department of Employment and Labour, Jas Smit from Proman Ops Management and director of the sustainable livelihood project, Mbali Ndlovu.

The centre is based at 85 High Street in Turffontein. They may be contacted on 011 434 1894/4598, 081 441 7758 (WhatsApp), projects@believerscaresociety.org or visit www.believerscaresociety.org