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In a remarkable effort to foster community empowerment and sustainable development, the Eastern Province Coastal Touchies Association (EPCTA) and the Greater Stellenbosch Trust (GST) have embarked on an innovative collaborative partnership.
The fruit of this union, the Community Empowerment Nexus or CEN Project, was officially unveiled on September 5, during a grand ceremony attended by local business, community leaders, schools, activists, and supporters, showcasing their commitment to positive change.
The CEN Project embodies a groundbreaking approach to community development, merging EPCTA’s dedication to sports and recreation with GST’s mission for social and economic transformation.
By combining resources, expertise, and networks, these organisations aspire to make a lasting impact on communities throughout the Kouga and Eastern Province region.
“This marks a significant leap forward in our quest to build more resilient and vibrant communities,” said Razaan Ogle, marketing and public relations manager of EPCTA.
“Through the CEN Project we will create opportunities for personal growth, community cohesion, and sustainable development. It exemplifies what can be achieved when organisations unite around shared goals.”
The programme stands as a testament to the potency of collaboration, as the GST is committed to employing a total of 1 000 unemployed participants across South Africa, of which 100 are from the EPCTA.
Among this cohort, 30 individuals will undergo rigorous training as touch rugby coaches, while 40 participants will actively participate in gardening projects.
Additionally, another 30 will engage in community clean-up efforts and contribute to the operation of soup kitchens within the Kouga communities.
These initiatives transcend temporary employment, aiming at providing lasting benefits by equipping participants with skills and experiences that amplify their employability and income-generating capabilities, and meeting critical community needs.
“The essence of the Citizen Connect programme lies in our commitment to nurturing positive change through community-driven efforts,” said Jean-Pierre du Plessis, programme director of GST.
“I grew up in Humansdorp, and I am proud to be associated with the incredible opportunities that ECPTA offers children and youth through sports. We are honoured to collaborate with like-minded organisations in the social economy sector to develop projects that address local needs and empower participants for a brighter future.”
Considering South Africa’s alarming unemployment rates and the adverse social consequences they bring, President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan in October 2020.
Within this comprehensive strategy, the Presidential Employment Stimulus plays a vital role by endorsing a blend of public employment, livelihood enhancement, and job preservation initiatives.
Through direct public investment, it seeks to alleviate the immediate repercussions of the crisis, while also jump-starting economic revitalisation.
Among the projects under this umbrella is the Social Employment Fund, which provides funding for the Citizen Connect programme.
The CEN Project has already garnered support from local churches, schools, and community leaders who recognise its potential for transformative change in the region.
The partnership is poised to set a precedent for future collaborations aimed at enhancing the lives of residents in under-served communities.
The CEN Project has embarked on a journey of empowerment, and both the EPCTA and GST eagerly anticipate the positive impact it promises to deliver.
