Preparing the right soil for vegetation in an informal settlement where people are nestled nearly on top of one another, is no joke; yet, Alpheus Mashile stands in the gap for his community.

Zandspuit is a township situated in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg and the people need all the help they can get to improve the quality of life. Survival may be extreme for them all, but the opportunities for sustainable agriculture, education, and enterprise development should compel us to zealous undertakings.

A farmer, a visionary, and a community leader is easy to identify when the impoverished people of Zandspuit cry out for a helping hand. This is why Umsizi’s NPO programme identified the opportunity to partner with this enthusiastic farmer.

Impophomo (NPO) donated 6000 vegetable seedlings to Alpheus that will enlarge his capacity in providing the livelihood solutions everyone needs while forming a plan to develop himself as an expert farmer. Umsizi’s enterprise development programmes mobilise solutions for innovators to reach their dreams in business, dreams that would otherwise seem impossible.

Therefore, Umsizi has run a small-farmer development programme in Zandspruit, including training, mentorship, and infrastructure provision. Alphaeus has been one of Umsizi’s leading farmers who is also running a feeding scheme from the community. Umsizi has launched a Broad-Based Agricultural and Livelihood Programme extending from Zandspruit to Lion Park to develop many more communities and farmers.

When the African sun hides behind the debris and the overcast gloom of the day, the elderly, the poor, the disabled, all gather in line with an empty cup, waiting their turn for a single meal. Alpheus stands behind his soup kitchen, filling many cups, and greets them one by one with a humble smile and a promise-filled greeting that sparks enough hope for tomorrow.

The quality of life in this township improves when locals are empowered in partnership with our engagement and gracious contribution. Today, Alpheus is one of many opportunists who will engage in the ordinary that will ultimately escalate to the extraordinary.

Join us and get involved in changing lives for a better future. Partner with us today.

At Umsizi our vision is to see the poor empowered to take control of their own destiny. We aim to accomplish this through sustainable rural development programmes and projects. Umsizi has a proven track record of seeing this vision implemented. Our Rural Development Consultants are intrinsic to the process. Their involvement is three-fold. First, they seek to identify what the community’s greatest needs are, and prioritise which needs to address. Second, they identify the challenges particular to each project and community. Third, they find the best solutions to ensure sustainable and long-term benefits for the community.

The scope of the problem

70% of the world’s very poor live in rural areas. There are many challenges to rural development worldwide. Lack of investment into rural infrastructure is one of the main factors hindering development in these communities. Because of the burden for many families to survive many children simply cannot receive an education. This means that illiteracy continues to be a negative factor hindering rural development. Insufficient access to clean water, issues of bad health, and lack of health care all contribute to a cycle of poverty. This can seem impossible to break free from. Many of these challenges are very acute in South Africa in particular.

Ineffective rural development programmes

When faced with these factors, bad administration and deficient programs will fail to address the problems. These elements can also add to the negativity surrounding the situation rural communities must face. Unproductive projects waste valuable resources and time. This can undermine the sustainability of even workable and efficient projects. This happens if the projects fail to be linked to a broader vision for rural development. For example, some projects move ahead without taking the area’s municipal planning into consideration. These projects are unlikely to become long-term solutions or factors in developing the community. Sustainability also fails because of lack of community participation. Effective programmes request input from the rural communities they seek to develop.

Our Rural Development Consultants are ready to assist

The factors mentioned above are by no means an exhaustive list. Our Rural Development Consultants are up to the task of addressing and overcoming these and many other very real challenges. They are passionate to see real change effected in rural communities across South Africa. They are professionals that will do their best ensure that the most helpful project for a community will be the one implemented. Our consultants also aim to ensure that the projects lead to sustainable benefits for the rural communities over the long term.

Many organisations and stakeholders have achieved their compliance reporting, project implementation and socio-economic development requirements thanks to the efforts of Umsizi’s Rural Development Consultants. Our consultants’ qualities include professionalism and innovation. Every company would want their corporate social investment (CSI) to mean sustainable rural development for the communities in which they are implementing. This is the goal of our Rural Development Consultants. Their expert advice has assisted mining firms to rest assured that their social and labour plans (SLP) will mean the best for the communities affected by their operations. Whatever our clients’ requirements, our consultants will ensure they are met professionally.

Every client of ours has requirements and resources to bring to rural communities. What our Rural Development Consultants are best at is utilising these resources in the most effective manner. This passion results in sustainable and effective rural development projects. In the long term, we expect to see alleviation of poverty and a better life for the impoverished.

your South African Company Can’t Do Without!

The goal of CSR is to ensure that communities affected by a company’s operations will enjoy socio-economic benefits. It seeks to ensure that individuals, communities, and society at large will benefit. The economic landscape of South Africa will change for the better.

But, the benefits of CSR don’t stop there. Your company benefits from CSR too. Here’s how:

1) Your organisation adding value to society

This is arguably the greatest benefit. Many now recognise that government alone cannot turn the tide of poverty and sub-standard living conditions across South Africa. Through effective CSR programmes, your organisation can make a difference. This is more than enough of a motivation to get involved.

2) Increased motivation and productivity of workers

If your company demonstrates an ethos of uplifting the poor and upskilling its own workers, those workers will be far more motivated than they would be if they thought you didn’t care about them or the plight of the masses. Increased motivation means increased productivity. Some CSR-driven projects offer training incentives, further motivating hard work and productivity.

3) Attracting and keeping high-quality staff

The cream of the crop of South African corporates is implementing CSR initiatives. Strong, effective CSR programmes help your corporate image. The result is greater interest from potential high-calibre employees. There is also a lower turnover rate of key employees.

4) Developing your employees

This benefit is two-fold. First, CSR-driven training programmes within the company will upskill your employees. As their competence grows, they add increased value to the company in their existing posts, and also when promoted. Second, employees can volunteer and assist in running CSR programmes. These employees broaden their horizons and enjoy the experience of having helped those less fortunate. Many find renewed passion in their work through partnering with CSR.

5) Building trust with new and existing clients

CSR programmes give your company the advantage of a good reputation among consumers and the media. If your corporate image is positive, then your clients will have increased trust for your products and services. In this way, CSR draws new prospective clients to your business. They will see it as superior to the competitor who does not have any CSR policies in place.

6) Building trust with the surrounding communities

In the geographic location(s) where your company operates, the perception of your company is key. The communities there may see your organisation as a positive influencer, and respond with support and co-operation. Or, they could see it as cold, heartless and selfish, and respond with indifference at best, and hostility at worst. CSR initiatives are a wonderful way to build good working relationships in these communities.

7) Increasing the success of your company

The success of your South African company is intrinsically linked with the success of the country as a whole. Companies can now effect real positive change in the communities of South Africa. These companies are setting themselves up for success in the arenas of both sales, and investment.

Also, CSR means you are not limiting your success to rands and cents. Your success will include measurable improvements in the lives of everyone who has benefited from your CSR projects.

8) Achieving B-BBEE points

Lastly, there are the incentives and benefits of an improved B-BBEE scorecard.

Contact Umsizi today to see how we can help you add tremendous CSR benefits to your organisation.

Today is about celebrating and recognizing those of you who embraced the Broad Based Livelihoods Program and I would like to thank everybody for making time to be here today. We are here today to recognise a journey which began back in 2015, a journey which has touched the lives of over three hundred households in Nyakallong and Kutlwanong, a journey which Taung Gold is very proud to be involved in. Almost one thousand people have gained additional life-skills from the program, empowering them to advance their well-being. Our intention with BBL was to enable you to make a difference for yourselves, to reduce dependency on others and to set you on a path to being economically self-sufficient and sustainable. I am truly impressed by the energy and determination shown by you and I encourage you to continue with this energy and determination to further succeed. We will continue to assist where we can.

In the next few years, Taung Gold intends to develop a new project, the Jeanette Gold Mine, just to the East of where we are standing. Our journey, like yours over the past three years, is one that requires creativity and innovation to advance the Jeanette project since we acquired it from Harmony. Right up front we recognized that our local communities are very important to the success of the project and it is for this reason that we decided to initiate the Broad-Based Livelihoods Program. By necessity, creativity required us to engage with you and harness your energy and resourcefulness to create a high level of determination from all stakeholders and establish a successful partnership. 

Of course, there must be a foundation on which success can be built and, in our case, the very earth on which we are standing provided such foundation: Firstly, this earth contains one of the very reasons why Taung Gold exists; a deposit of gold which lies deep beneath our feet. Secondly, this earth also provides the opportunity for the Broad-Based Livelihoods Program, started by Taung Gold with its partners, as a sign of our commitment to sound relationships, whilst we explore, design, finance and build a new gold mine.

Of course, the willingness of the community to accept us and work with us has been critical to the success of the program and I really do want to thank everyone for that spirit of cooperation and support, without which we would not be here today. 

All great journeys begin with small steps and our starting point for the BBL program was to focus on growing food, a basic need that we all have. As we saw the commitment of the participants in the program this then progressed to education and assistance with small business principles. The program has been open to all interested people from the local communities so that as many people as possible could participate. Of course, we welcome more participation moving forward. This education and training imparts practical knowledge and business skills into the minds and souls of those who chose to “give it a go” and the results are clear for all to see. All of the participants in the program have demonstrated energy and determination to succeed and many of you have been able to establish sustainable small enterprises which are able to put food on the table.

Let me share with you some of the achievements of the Broad Based Livelihoods Program:

• Over 800 people have attended the garden training workshops and these have, in most cases, put food on the table with lots of people now eating better than before;
• Our records show that 85 households have been earning money by selling vegetables;
• Almost 100 families have built their own vegetable tunnels and some have progressed to successful businesses in vegetable farming;
• The vegetable tunnels can be seen on almost all streets in the local community. 

These achievements and the fact that there are vegetable tunnels on most streets make it obvious that the partnership between us is working and we should be proud of that. 

We are very excited about the fact that we have been able to assist you to make a difference to your own lives and to also impact positively on the lives of others in your communities. I believe that what you have been able to achieve sets a very good example for others to aspire to. You truly have set a wonderful example and I believe that you are a remarkable inspiration to society. 

I challenge you to dream of really growing your businesses, expanding your abilities further afield and developing your efforts into significant enterprises. Having taken the small and often most difficult steps to get going, I urge you think about expanding your horizons and dream big. 

A little later we will be recognizing local business owners who have completed the learning workshops on Business Tools for Profitability and they will each be receiving certificates of recognition. This training has enabled them to be able to look at their businesses and identify areas for improvement and to reduce costs, increasing profitability. Some of these people have even started to train their neighbours and help them to get going as well. That really is special and deserving of recognition. 

Just take a moment and think about your successes. Think about your dreams and aspirations and how to make them happen.

Many of these businesses are staring to get together and are creating their own Business Chamber to represent them and this will make them and the community much stronger. Unity will enable you to develop a stronger voice and to advance your collective interests so I encourage you to keep up these efforts and to work together towards your common interests in developing the local economy.

The Career Build Program has attracted much interest from school learners and this will soon be followed by the My Future Program which will include any person who wishes to plan a future and start taking steps to make that future a reality.

A couple of months ago we celebrated what would have been the 100th birthday of a person who was and remains an inspiration to all of us, former President Nelson Mandela. Madiba said that “a winner is a dreamer who never gives up”. He certainly knew the true meaning of those words. I say to you,  you will face challenges, but remember those words and never lose sight of and never give up on your dreams. I encourage you to reflect on your success to date but to build on that by developing your dreams through determination and commitment. 

Thank you for your time. I wish you all of the best with your efforts and look forward to returning soon to celebrate further successes.  

Livelihood refers to the means by which people are able to provide for themselves. A fisherman who catches fish to support his family by selling as well as eating them has fishing as his livelihood. For his livelihood to be viable not only does he need to be a good fisherman, he also needs the fish to continue to be available for his fishing.

For a moment, keep the above example in mind as a metaphor. We at Umsizi believe that together we can teach people not only to fish but also how to ensure that there will always be fish available. In this way, they support their families in a sustainable way.

Broad-based livelihood development has a bigger scope than localised monetary empowerment for a limited period of time. It takes steps toward an ongoing lifetime of economic empowerment for society as a whole.

What we have seen is that a poverty mindset can result in a “hand-out” mentality. In this mindset, the neediest in our society can envision nothing other than grants and other government initiatives to reduce their plight. Now, the government’s efforts to relieve the suffering of those most destitute is commendable and necessary. But we cannot see this as an end in and of itself. It is only a temporary solution.

This is why the initiatives need to be broad-based. It cannot be government alone getting involved, but a broad spectrum of public and private, corporate and individual parties alongside government. These come together to help uplift communities in need with programmes and initiatives. It must also be broad-based in the sense that it is not enough to develop any single sector or skill set. Instead, a wide range of white and blue-collar fields need to see capable people entering them.

This is where corporates have a key role in transformation. Umsizi has succeeded in assisting companies in meeting government-instituted targets for broad-based empowerment. We develop Enterprise Development Initiatives and Social and Labour Plans that get results.

The focus has to be on livelihood. Together we develop useful and marketable skills in those who are unable to attend training or receive a formal education. The skills provided empower individuals to earn a decent income. Their children get an education. Their bodies can have clothes, food and shelter. These skills can be in various fields, from the arts and sciences to agricultural, artisan, commercial and industrial fields. The entire process will contribute to a robust economy for our country and financial security for our people.

How do we move toward this brighter future? For this broad-based livelihood development to be effectual moving forward, we need to reinvest in the right initiatives. Initiatives that start the progress towards economic freedom. Not only must money be spent on the people, but also on the expansion of the industry and field they will be working in. As such investment is made, and the economy grows, more positions will need to be filled.

Broad-based livelihood development is a mindset that needs to be adopted as we put programmes in place. We aim to see poverty truly alleviated, and not just to offer some relief from an incurable illness in our society.

Helping the Needy: 3 ways you can make a difference

We live in a world of great need. It’s easy to notice. You can see it every time you leave your house. Beggars and those who are struggling to find employment stand on the roadsides. Affluent suburbs often border impoverished communities.

It’s a global problem. Almost half the world’s population live on under $2,50 a day. Over a billion people don’t have access to any healthy water sources. Thousands live below the breadline without enough food to survive. It affects families. It affects children.

Many of us have asked, “Can I make a difference?” Is there a way to help the needy? On a large scale, can I improve the situation? The answer is “Yes!”

As an individual, you can help the needy by being willing to share. Even small surpluses in your food and clothing can make all the difference if given away. Donate a blanket to the needy in the upcoming winter. Consider organising a work day with your local church or volunteer group. Many churches work into underprivileged communities, hospitals and prisons.

There are in fact many ways to reach out and help someone. But the scope of the need is massive. Is it possible to make an even bigger difference? One that impacts both individuals and whole communities? Once again, the answer is “Yes!” Have a look at our list of ways to help the needy on a larger scale.

Community Development Initiatives

Community development is a process of working towards solutions to problems facing communities. Community members find strength in unity and can overcome the challenges.

Sometimes it is not enough for people in the community to stand together. They need outside help. This is where you can get involved. It starts with understanding and supporting community development. In this way, you can have a lasting impact.

Give support to grassroots development and start-up industries in needy communities. Look for opportunities to support local entrepreneurs. Your business can make all the difference to their business. One order placed with a well-run grassroots company can make all the difference. It can give them a foot up in the industry.

You can also get behind projects like those run at Umsizi. For example, Umsizi is currently rolling out a large-scale agricultural development program. This is providing sustainable, renewable, healthy food sources to families and communities nationwide.

There are many advantages to supporting Umsizi. You have the assurance that they will provide training to sustain community development. Community members receive ongoing coaching.

Another way to help is to mobilise your own church or volunteer organisation. The Impophomo project is a remarkable example. The project helps underdeveloped communities on an ongoing basis.

2. Rural Development Programs

There is another focus you can adopt to help the needy. Work towards financial stability outside of your city.

The goal of rural development is to increase food security and future prospects in rural communities. This not only helps the needy, but in fact, we all benefit. When rural areas do well, particularly in agriculture, it amounts to a positive effect on the economy.You can support rural development in many ways. Something as simple as buying local produce can make all the difference. Look for the “Proudly South African” sticker on your groceries. Another way is to support the tourist trade when you leave the city and pass through rural areas.

You can also work with those who have an insight into these communities. There is a need for experts who can observe results and address new issues as they arise. Once again, this is where Umsizi comes in, with proven policies and experience. Umsizi guides rural communities through rural development programs. Working with both government and corporates, the partnerships uplift rural areas. There is a focus on training, infrastructure development, and creating opportunities.

3. Corporate Social Responsibility

If you work for a medium- to large-scale business, you have the potential to shape the nation.

Corporate social responsibility addresses a company’s obligations. Companies need to assess their environmental and social impact on surrounding communities. Corporate social responsibility has come to mean “giving back” where a company has made a profit. Corporations can make sure they do not abuse the community. They can ensure that everybody wins.

Great corporations go beyond the legal requirements of government regulations and environmental groups. This is where we start to see observable uplifting of the lives of the needy.

Talk to the person responsible at your company and see how you can get involved, or volunteer. There are many success stories where corporate entities have worked into underprivileged communities.

For help or advice, or to get involved, or to donate towards Umsizi’s initiatives, contact us.

Community Development is a term used to emphasize an action plan to develop poor regions within an economically-driven society. For most South Africans, poverty and the struggle to implement jobs to countless of community members within Johannesburg, continue to circulate, with delays and shortcomings. Black Economical Empowerment (BEE) has become a ruling business principle to most corporates and depends on the full compliance thereof to support its entities in business while eliminating unemployment. Nevertheless, our problem with unemployment and poverty derives from our underdeveloped communities.

In our time, children face the vulnerability of a deficiency in community development in South Africa. To date, according to relevant newspapers and online resources, the unemployment rate of our youth stands at over 60%. Children are our future, but unfortunately, they are living under the breadline. Without proper strategies to help underprivileged communities, South Africa will face difficult times ahead. We are in need of skillful socio-economic development programmes that will change the outcome. We cannot afford to let the challenges of social needs to escalate beyond restoration.

Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions (Pty) Ltd, is a company that specializes in community development programmes.  To date, they have been the link between companies who necessitate ‘improved social corporate responsibility services’ and the needy communities in search of their support. Umsizi’s skilled personnel adhere to quality service and astute knowledge in the eradication of poverty and the uplifting of social strategy that surpasses all standards.

One such key community development project that Umsizi designed for community development is:

Household Agricultural Livelihood Improvement

Imagine what can be accomplished when we train people across South Africa’s poor communities to start their own farming businesses? Countless informal settlements are nested on fruitful ground, and even though space may be limited, it can be radically changed to a fast crop-producing enterprise. Agricultural opportunity can be expressed equally: the cultivation of fresh produce among the poor by showing, implementing, and mentoring –– Members of the community are opted and supported by thorough assessments done by Umsizi’s experts. Building key relationships with local leaders, practical training, and ongoing mentoring make this programme a concrete, yet innovative success every time.

Umsizi pioneers the area of socio-economic and community development projects. The impact of this programme results in poverty eradication.

Identifying households that are committed to the success of such a programme gets the backing of extra resources e.g., greenhouse tunnels, rainwater harvest tanks, and additional encouragement by Umsizi.

There are many programme opportunities for you and your business to consider, but Umsizi’s strategy stands above the rest. The team is full of compassion for the poor, and they make every effort to accommodate strategies that will impact with long-lasting sustainability.

The agricultural livelihood program is achievable through partnerships. Umsizi offers Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Plans, development, compliance and reporting services.

For more information about Umsizi and the service they offer in community development projects, contact them at info@umsizi.co.za, or visit the website: umsizi.co.za