Communities

We work across many sites and communities in the Winelands. We have built centres, schools and learning facilities at three key sites. Mbekweni, Franschhoek and Malmesbury. The communities in which we work are all in the Western Cape of South Africa. Many have a troubled history which can be traced back to the apartheid era.

The townships are surrounded by stunning scenery and amazing views. Life is not easy for most families and particularly young people, who are struggling to live with the daily challenges of poverty, violence, substance abuse and unemployment

Despite all these challenges,
our young people still have a
zest for life and are full of
potential and aspiration.

Our communities are characterised by:

  • High levels of unemployment – up to 60%
  • Significant crime and violence
  • Major drug-related problems
  • Poverty and ill health
  • Single-parent families
  • High incidence of HIV/AIDS C 13%
  • Sexual, gender abuse and violence
  • Growing populations
  • Inadequate infrastructure

Our three centres

Hope Through Action

Mbekweni

Sports and Education
Community Centre

Average Participant
Engagements per month

11 300

Mbekweni, near Paarl, has a population of approximately 34,000, of which 29% are below the age of 14. The town is predominantly Black African, 97%.  56% have an income of less than R19,000 (£1,000).

HIV/AIDs > 20% and Epilepsy 2x SA average. Over recent years, TB has increased by 71%. More than 20% are not in formal education.

The multi-purpose centre was opened in 2010 and provides –

  • Multi-purpose indoor centre
  • Recreation rooms
  • Training rooms and meeting rooms
  • Kitchen
  • Seating for 350
  • Outdoor courts for Netball and Volleyball
  • Cricket Nets
  • Vegetable Garden

Nompumelelo Educare Centre was originally built in 2004 and rebuilt in 2017. It is a purpose-built two-storey Educare facility for 250 children with:

  • Creche
  • Outdoor play area
  • Community rooms and craft space
  • Kitchen
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Hope Through Action

Franschhoek

Sports and Education
Community Centre

Average Participant
Engagements per month

6 600

Franschhoek Valley Community Centre is based in Groendal, about 2 km from Franschhoek. Groendal has a population of approximately 20,000 and is 52% coloured. 50% have an income less than R19,000 (£1,000). Approximately 26% by individuals under the age of 14, and 38% of households are female-led. 80% of children are struggling to achieve grade 5.

The centre was opened in 2015 and provides:

  • Multi-purpose indoor sports centre
  • Learning Centre
  • Gym
  • Training rooms and meeting rooms
  • Kitchen
  • Seating for 350
  • Access to outdoor courts for Netball
  • Access to community football, cricket and rugby fields
  • Vegetable Garden

The school in Groendal is a purpose built two storey facility with space for 150 students. It has an outdoor play area. The Kusasa Academy operates the school.

Hope Through Action

Swartland

Sports and Education
Community Centre

Average Participant
Engagements per month

5 100

Malmesbury is a town in the Swartland Municipality. It has a population of approximately 36,000 of which 93% are coloured, 25% are below the age of 14. 18% have an income less than R19,000 (£1,000).

The community sports centre was opened in 2019 and provides:

  • Multi-purpose indoor centre
  • Training and meeting rooms
  • Seating for 350
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Netball court
  • Soccer, Rugby and Cricket field

The Kurovo Learning Centre was opened in 2022 and provides:

  • Skills training
  • IT Lab
  • Library
  • Educational Resource Centre
  • Parent and carer support centre

Our provincial @HomeLearning programme is headquartered in the Kurovo Learning Centre.

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