Themba Training uses micro business training tools, expert mentoring, and start up capital to empower unemployed breadwinners to start micro businesses.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

December News

After the crash :-(

November 2012 has been a very eventful month for Themba Training, with the main item of news a car accident.

Most Fridays Patson accompanies our students to sell their wares on the farms in the greater Boland district. Not only is this a lucrative exercise for our students, but also gives Patson the opportunity to mentor them in the art of selling. On Friday evening ,16 November, Patson and four of the students were returning on the N2 from Grabouw when another vehicle slammed into the bakkie at high speed. Three of the students had to be rushed to hospital, two were discharged within days and another spent 15 days in hospital with a badly damaged leg. The attached photo shows the damage to Patson’s bakkie. It is a miracle that no one was more seriously injured and we remain grateful for God’s protective hand in this.

The bakkie was loaded with bags of clothes and pillows/cushions which are sold on the farms. I believe these items absorbed much of the impact and provided great protection. Unfortunately the bakkie was not insured and the person who caused the accident has “disappeared”.  This is a big set-back for us as the bakkie has been used on a daily basis in all we do in the Micro Business Training part of our project. We are seeking legal advice but are not very confident it will lead to a satisfactory outcome. Please pray for doors to open and for us to secure another vehicle asap.

Regarding our Computer Training courses – Malibongwe has pulled out all the stops to advertise the courses and we are looking forward to starting “with a bang” in the new year.

May you all have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your interest and support!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

October News

Patson - It's a bit chilly!
At the end of last month Patson and I had the pleasure of visiting Finland. We were invited by FSAA (Finnish South Africa Association) who are our main sponsors. Only two of us were invited and unfortunately Lionel and Malibongwe could not fit into our suitcases! The main purpose of the trip was to speak at a conference and also to meet those who for a number of years have faithfully supported Themba Training. We wined and dined with ambassadors, church leaders and a number of very interesting people. Patson found Helsinki “too much cold” but I really enjoyed the city.

FSAA did exceptionally well in extending amazing hospitality and our days were action-packed with visits to government departments, leaders in the educational sectors, church leaders and others. We also enjoyed an evening with “important people” including the South African ambassador to Finland. I found it especially interesting as I was introduced to a few men who were very involved during the 60-80’s in the struggle against apartheid. Some of them became personal friends of exiled ANC leaders and a few even fought in Angola against SWAPO. I was introduced to a part of South African history which those of us who lived through those years knew very little about.

Sadly our partnership with FSAA will come to an end towards the end of 2013. FSAA always regarded this as a short-term project, then extended it for 3 years (2010-12) and have agreed to support us for another year. We remain very grateful for the friendship we have enjoyed with “the Finns”. It is humbling to visit a nation and meet people who care and have demonstrated this care for a nation “very far” from their own.

On our return we had a few days to prepare for another graduation, and on the 09th of October a further 40 people received certificates and celebrated successful participation in our Micro Business training course. The majority of these trainees are now being mentored and many have seen definite improvements in their micro businesses.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

June News


On Thursday afternoon, 14 June, we had much fun at our graduation ceremony in Crossroads. Thirty Three students who form part of the Consol Glass sponsored Empowering Breadwinners Project completed our Micro MBA course and received their official graduation certificates. The group consisted of old, young, some just starting and others with established businesses.

At these graduation ceremonies the best clothes come out of the cupboards, some dressed in evening gowns, beautiful hairstyles, cameras clicking, much singing, and much celebration. Patson, with Amanda Nortje and David Rajh’s help, handed out certificates to students proudly wearing gowns. We have also introduced a new award and handed 6 certificates of excellence to students for “exceptional performance and dedication”. We then served a meal to crown what is a great achievement for these aspiring entrepreneurs.

Approximately 70 students have already received training during the first half of 2012. We remain grateful for every bit of information, help and hope we can pass onto the many people who desire to operate as successful entrepreneurs in the informal business sector of South Africa.
 
We have seen progress at our new facility in Bellville and hope to start the first of our computer classes in July. Malibongwe is heading up this part of Themba Training and we are looking forward to the day when our first students have graduated from the Basic Introduction PC course – right through to the advanced Microsoft Office Specialist course.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

March News

Big news at Themba Training is that we will be moving into new premises on the 1st of May. A company in Bellville (GlobalBPO) has decided to partner with us and have made these premises available. They are also greatly assisting us with the rental payments. The house has been re-zoned with business rights, has excellent facilities and security. The great plus is that it is within short walking distance from the Bellville rail/bus stations and taxi rank. Many people in Cape Town regard this area as the hub of the city.

Currently 2 of our trainers are hard at work writing exams and qualifying to present the new courses we plan to start in June. At the new facility we will offer:

Three PC Courses
1. A basic computer skills course
2. A more advanced course (by Skillwise) with official accreditation
3. The MOS (Microsoft Specialist Course). This course comes with Microsoft’s International backing and accreditation. Obtaining this certificate greatly enhances an individual’s chances of securing employment.

Security Courses
We plan to offer the PSIRA level E and D courses – and eventually include levels C to A. We all know the security challenges faced in South Africa and the need for good security. We are convinced our courses will help many to find employment.

We are continuing with our Small Business Training and plan to offer this course at multiple venues.
We would appreciate any help we could get in obtaining computers. Not only for our students but also so we can start a PC library. Many people do not have regular access to PCs and our dream is to loan PCs to students during their time of training. This will obviously give them the opportunity to practice!

Monday, February 27, 2012

February News

Graduation Time

The first half of 2012 is a very important, challenging and exciting time for Themba Training. Firstly, we have had to find new premises in Crossroads, and at the moment renovating and upgrading one of the buildings at the Mfesane Complex in Old Crossroads. We are excited about it as we will have 3 rooms in which to offer our training.

We will continue with the Micro MBA course training entrepreneurs/small business owners in the Gugulethu, Crossroads, Nyanga, Phillipi suburbs. We have also been invited to offer the course in Langa. In 2011 we decided to widen the training we offer and are currently preparing much for the launch of the new computer and security training courses we plan to start within the next few months.
We will offer 3 computer courses – ranging from a very basic PC Introduction course, to a more advanced course which has official Seta accreditation. The course is based on simulations meaning that learners are performing the procedures whilst learning. The course was developed by Dr Robin Stead from the University of Cape Town. Whilst individuals could purchase the software and successfully complete the course without tutoring – we believe our target market will most definitely require assistance.  The “queen” of our courses however will be the MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist Course). The following is a direct quote from the MOS website:

“Earning a Microsoft Office Specialist certification can help you differentiate yourself in today's competitive job market, broaden your employment opportunities by displaying your advanced skills, and result in higher earning potential”.  

At the moment Malibongwe Nduku (one of our current Micro MBA trainers) will present all three these courses. Mali holds a B.Com in Information Systems and is well qualified to lead this part of Themba Training.

We are excited about the introduction of these PC courses and are fully convinced it will grow from strength to strength. Many organisations offer these courses – but do it for profit. We exist to serve the poor communities and will offer course at very affordable rates. We would value any PC donations. Not only do we require these for our training, but would like to place PC’s in many homes which would obviously enable our students to practice!

We are also in the process of establishing a security guard training academy – but more about that next time!