Unemployment in South Africa hovers around 32% (2024). The proportion of households living in informal settlements is estimated officially as 12% (2023, Stats SA) although this doesn’t necessarily account for the stream of immigrants arriving from countries north of SA. The government is trying to provide basic infrastructure such as water, sanitation and electricity, but in many cases these are still lacking.
Mama Ntombi’s Community projects (MNCP) was formed out of compassion for the people living in three settlements near Pietermaritzburg. MNCP seeks to give a chance in life to children in these shacklands. They help young people to acquire the tools and character traits they need to make a success of their lives. As this cannot be achieved in a vacuum, MNCP also is also involved in holistic community care.
Over the years MNCP has moved from meeting in the outdoors, to a donated container, to their own building, erected on land in Ezinketheni donated by the local chief. A bequest from Stephen Bowley (Co-founder of Thembisa) was used to build the perimeter wall (essential to reduce theft).
The MNCP Centre is very well used. Activities include the provision of nutritious breakfasts for children who would otherwise be too hungry to learn well; a preschool that gives children from extremely deprived backgrounds a headstart; successful Reading and Homework Clubs; Mentorship Groups for boys and for girls, helping them to work through difficult issues and increasing their emotional development and self-esteem; and community support and assistance as needed – for example, helping those who have lost everything in a shack fire; obtaining of identity documents; assistance to grannies caring for AIDS orphans; provision of emergency food supplies; and support with vegetable growing and income generating activities.
MNCP has only a few paid employees; other activities are led by volunteers. MNCP’s Chief operations Officer, Sandra Pillay, works selflessly and tirelessly to coordinate fund-raising and the volunteers who help out. Local schools and colleges donate funds and provide some activities or treats at special times such as Easter. For several years Sandra has been supported by a wonderful support worker, Solomon Qadi, much loved in the local community for his kindness and practical support to young and old. Solomon has recently (March 2025) had to step down for family reasons and his place has been taken by Msizi Ngcobo, one of MNCP's beneficiaries from a child-headed household. Msizi has been under Solomon's mentorship since 2017 and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. Thembisa committed some years ago to providing the support worker’s salary of £5000 per annum and will continue to do so, funds permitting.
Nosipho Luthuli, a girl helped by MNCP, wrote: ‘I thought I am nothing because every day at school they were laughing at me and making jokes because I did not wear a proper uniform. I said to myself, What am I doing wasting my life going to school because children are laughing at me. But now MNCP have helped me. They bought me uniforms, school stationery and a school bag. My future is now shining in front of my eyes.’
Siyanda Funeka’s life was marked by poverty, begging for food, and rummaging through trash. However, under the mentorship of MNCP, he acquired a strong work ethic. He completed high school and MNCP helped him to secure IT internships; he now has a job with a bank. He wrote this letter to MNCP donors (just an extract from his letter, but they are all his own words!).
‘I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, which has enabled me to transform my life in ways I never thought possible. As a child, I faced unimaginable hardships … The absence of my father and the loss of my siblings to suicide only added to the pain and desperation I felt. But despite these challenges, MNCP saw potential in me and offered a helping hand. Through their comprehensive programs, I gained access to education, mentorship, and guidance, which have been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. They gave me a home, love, care and a family. … Your investment in MNCP is an investment in our future, and I am living proof of the impact your support can have.’
https://mncp.co.za/
