2013 has
been a year of contrasts for Themba Training. We have enjoyed good news
stories, yet at the same time have faced challenges, and had a few sad news
stories. Sadly, at
the end of August we said goodbye to two of our trainers.
Malibongwe
Nduku joined the Thembalitsha staff more than 5 years ago and has become much
loved and respected in the Foundation. For most of this time Mali was involved
in our micro business training courses. In 2012 we established the PC training
center in Bellville (near main bus/taxi rank) which came under his leadership.
We are very proud of what we managed to establish but have not been successful
in creating sufficient interest. In the many years Themba Training has been
involved in the townships we have literally had hundreds of requests for
computer training. However we were not confident establishing such a facility
in the areas we operate due to security concerns, therefore the move to
Bellville. We offered our courses at very little cost but discovered people
were not prepared to travel to attend them. This surprised us as it never
surfaced as a potential issue when we did our canvassing. We have had
to go back to the drawing board, but due to lack of funds Themba Training is no
longer in a position to employ Malibongwe.
Lionel
Padayachee joined Themba Training (also as a micro business trainer) in 2009.
In 2012 we mandated Lionel to establish a Security Training Academy. We are
very proud of the way in which he enrolled for and passed the many courses to
obtain full SETA accreditation as a facilitator and monitor. However, the
Foundation has not been able to produce a certificate required for us
to register as an accredited SASSETA training facility. This has been a
tremendously frustrating experience for us. Our objective was that this project
would be self-sustaining but as we can no longer provide the necessary
financial support we have had to call it a day.
Both these
men have become my good friends. I have huge respect for them and pray that
wonderful doors will open for both of them. Having to let them go has been a
big blow to us.
Our small
business training in Crossroads continues. Currently we are running two very
successful classes and will share some good news stories next month. We have
also obtained new training facilities in Crossroads and are in advanced
discussions with some of the other Thembalitsha Projects to present training
courses and other services at this venue. So amongst the sad news, there is also good news
and much hope.
Francois Heunis