TEN students from Lwazi Lwethu NPO in Wentworth received their accredited certificates in project and financial management. The graduation ceremony took place at the Wentworth Youth Development Centre recently.

This success follows a partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, the Education, Training, and Development Practices  and Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP-SETA), to strengthen the capacity of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in KwaZulu-Natal.

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The programme equips students with basic essential business skills

The four-month training programme, funded by ETDP-SETA to the value of R100,000, was designed to equip Lwazi Lwethu NPO members with essential skills to manage projects and finances effectively within their communities.

Key representatives from ETDP-SETA, KZN Department of Social Development and eThekwini South District attended the function.

MEC of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, Mbali Shinga expressed her support for such initiatives, recognising the important role they play in empowering local youth.

“Today marks an important achievement not only for the Lwazi Lwethu NPO but for the future of our youth.

“Through partnerships like this one with ETDP-SETA, we are helping to nurture a generation of young leaders who are equipped with the necessary skills to drive meaningful change in their communities,” MEC Shinga said.

She also emphasised that the partnership between her department and ETDP-SETA forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen the capacity of NPOs in the province.

“We understand the pivotal role that NPOs play in addressing social challenges, and our commitment to their growth is resolute,” she said.

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What does this training do for the community?

• It exemplifies how the department is building a stronger, more resilient sector.
• It connects NPOs with external donors and institutions to ensure sustainable development.

Lwazi Lwethu NPO is a youth-focused initiative in eThekwini South District committed to empowering young people in the area.

The students are now better equipped to lead and manage community-based projects with enhanced financial accountability and project management expertise.

Student Sibusiso Ndlovu said, “The skills we’ve gained from this programme will help us make a real impact in our community. We are excited to use what we’ve learned to create more opportunities for other young people in our area.”

The department said the partnership between ETDP-SETA was part of a broader NPO partnership model, designed to strengthen local organisations by linking them with external donors and support institutions.

This initiative is expected to create a network of well-equipped, skilled organisations capable of driving sustainable development in KwaZulu-Natal.

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