The Siyakholwa Development Foundation (Siyakholwa), established in 2001, is a Non-profit Organisation (NPO) dedicated to empowering and uplifting marginalised and impoverished communities in South Africa.
Our unwavering focus and passion lie in enabling individuals and communities to overcome poverty and unemployment through essential services and support.
We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Our programmes are designed to restore hope and foster self-sufficiency in the communities we work with. By providing vital services and opportunities, we aim to empower the poor, the needy, and the vulnerable across South Africa.
At Siyakholwa, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive
Through our initiatives, we strive to maximise opportunities and a create a path for individuals to develop their skills and capabilities. By doing so, we help them become self-reliant and build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Building Stronger Communities
In today’s world, the importance of strong communities cannot be overstated. Beyond fostering social unity, these communities bolster resilience, cultivate wellbeing, and empower collective prosperity. Through our impactful programmes, we drive positive social transformation, weaving the very fabric of society itself.
Our approach to community building is rooted in resilience. Identifying service gaps is our forte, and we answer with innovative, sustainable solutions. Our focus spans vital social issues – poverty, education, maternal and child health, early childhood development, youth and women unemployment, and food security.
By pooling resources and engaging stakeholders, we craft pioneering programmes that tangibly better lives. Operating in East London, Mthatha, Gqeberha, Keiskammahoek, and Johannesburg, our dedicated teams play a pivotal role in fortifying communities. Our sights are set on under-served populations in informal settlements, townships, and rural areas.
Our mission extends beyond inclusion, it’s about ensuring equal prospects for all. By addressing marginalised groups through tailored initiatives, we bridge gaps in early education, maternal and child wellbeing, and essential services. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are our bedrock, nurturing belonging and unity. With our endeavours, we nurture robust communities where every voice matters, fostering empowerment and a shared sense of purpose.
Proud of our accomplishments in Phase One
The Social Employment Fund has empowered us to achieve remarkable milestones in our communities. Geared and excited, we’re poised for even greater progress into the future!
Our Current Projects
First 1000 Days Nutritional Programme
Our First 1000 Days Nutritional Programme addresses the critical lack of nutrition awareness and resources amongst pregnant women from marginalised communities such as informal settlements and rural areas. Click here to watch an overview of our First 1000 Days Nutritional Programme
Qobo Qobo Essential Oils Incubator
The Qobo Qobo Essential Oils Incubator, a social enterprise, was established by Siyakholwa in 2014, and stands as a beacon of opportunity at the picturesque foothills of the Amathole Mountains.
Public Employment Programmes
Siyakholwa has been privileged to participate in Government’s Public Employment Programmes which are instrumental in driving sustainable economic growth and addressing unemployment challenges.
Social Employment Fund (SEF)
Siyakholwa plays a crucial role as a strategic implementing partner for the Social Employment Fund (SEF), an impactful initiative of the Presidential Employment Stimulus. This programme has been specifically designed to address the challenges posed by the devastating coronavirus pandemic, by focussing on job creation, livelihood support, and the provision of sustained work as the economy recovers.
Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
This programme represents a pivotal government initiative that aligns with and contributes to various Government Policy Priorities. These priorities encompass crucial areas such as decent work and sustainable livelihoods, education, health, rural development, food security, and land reform.
SmartStart
Siyakholwa serves as an implementing agent (Franchisor) for the esteemed SmartStart programme. The programme provides a pragmatic and cost-effective solution to broaden access to affordable and high-quality early learning opportunities, empowering children with the tools they need to thrive.
Food Security
Through the establishment of multiple agro-ecology community gardens, we actively address the pressing issue of food security within our communities. These gardens are specially designed to cater to the needs of the most vulnerable individuals.
Agro-Ecology
Siyakholwa is proud to announce the initiation of a groundbreaking agro-ecological pilot project covering 4 hectares of land, generously provided by the Catholic Mission.
Think Equal
Siyakholwa is at the forefront of pioneering the implementation of the Think Equal programme in the Eastern Cape, marking a significant step toward transformative change in the region’s education landscape.
The Siyakholwa Bee, Peach and Maize Milling Project
The Siyakholwa Bee and Peach Project represents a thrilling venture that has yielded impressive results. Over the course of this initiative, approximately 1,000 peach and citrus trees have been meticulously planted, cared for, and successfully harvested.
Play Areas for Children
Our dedicated team specialises in designing and constructing engaging play areas for children. We create and produce a variety of play equipment such as swings, slides, and climbing frames, with the aim of providing children with enriching play experiences. These play areas are then installed in under-resourced preschools and playgroups within our targeted communities.
Toy Production from Recycled Materials
Our dedicated team creates toys and learning aids using recycled materials, which are then donated to play groups. By re-purposing and upcycling waste materials, we are not only promoting sustainability, but are also providing children with access to educational and engaging play materials.
Placemaking
The absence of play and recreational areas in our target communities poses a challenge for families seeking places to relax and watch their children play. As part of our placemaking project, we are dedicated to addressing this need by establishing parks and recreational areas within informal settlements and townships.
Gold Youth
Gold Youth is a transformative Youth Development Programme that centres on social behaviour change, education, and job creation. Our primary objective at Gold Youth is to test and expand the efficacy of youth peer education as a methodology for fostering positive community transformation.
Greenlight Surveys
Siyakholwa is a proud partner of the Greenlight Movement, and is actively involved in conducting greenlight surveys on behalf of other movement partners. With a network of well-trained facilitators spread across all provinces, we have the capability to conduct surveys in multiple languages.
Siyakholwa Consulting, the commercial arm of the Siyakholwa Development Foundation, is driven by a corporate mission centred on promoting sustainability in business practices while generating income to support the foundation’s community development programmes. We firmly believe that businesses can be a force for positive change, and through our unique approach, we aim to contribute to the wellbeing of South African communities. Siyakholwa Consulting embraces the power of unity of purpose, aligning our efforts with a common mission to create a future where every individual in South Africa can thrive and fulfil their potential. Our dedicated team collaborates with partners and clients to make a meaningful, sustainable, and lasting impact on society.