Umzi Wethu branches out to rural area

Guy Rogers ENVIRONMENT &0x0026; TOURISM EDITOR

THE second branch of the landmark Umzi Wethu Academy Aids intervention programme founded two years ago by the Wilderness Foundation was launched in Somerset East yesterday, with a funding commitment of R1,5-million from Bhisho.

Speaking at the function, Umzi Wethu patron Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela said although young South Africans were fortunate in that they had political freedom, “for many there has not been a democracy dividend”.

High levels of unemployment continued to impoverish and marginalise, and Aids added another level of suffering, she said.

“For a million young South Africans whose lives have been ravaged by the Aids pandemic, their reflection on the past 14 years of democracy are of pain and death.

“I am especially aware of those young people who have the dubious privilege of heading their households. When their peers are contemplating stepping out into the world, these youngsters are worrying about where the next meal will come from for the households for which they are responsible.”

Balindlela said she had supported Umzi Wethu from its inception because she had realised it was impossible for government to tackle these obstacles alone.

“We need many more Umzi Wethus and so I am very happy that we are today witnessing the consolidation of the programme through this rural academy.”

A wholistic life skills and vocational training as well as job placement initiative, Umzi Wethu was founded in conjunction with 35 partners in the Aids, education, conservation and business sectors.

Built around mentorships from community leaders, daily classes, regular wilderness expeditions and the promise of a job, the academy was designed to put graduates in touch with themselves and the possibilities available to them.

Conceived as a programme that could be rolled out across the country and even the continent, the first Umzi Wethu branch was opened in Port Elizabeth.

The new one in Somerset East marks “a return to the dream” of targeting the province‘s most marginalised communities in rural areas and linking them with game reserves already increasing job opportunities in these areas.

African Global Skills Academy chief executive Ornica Mukhavhuli, whose organisation has co-ordinated the vocational training aspect, said graduates of the second Umzi intake, who were honoured yesterday, had qualified in nature resource management and guiding.

They have been placed at local game reserves and also at government conservation entities, where there is a serious shortage of qualified staff.

“Now you are who you are. You are no longer just a shadow of your background,” she said.

One of two girls among the second Umzi intake graduates, Portia Ciki, 19, from the nearby town of Pearston, said the toughest part of the 18-month programme had been learning how to fire a rifle, which they were required to do to qualify as guides. “It knocked me over the first time, but I got it right after a while.”

One of three children of an unemployed mum and “uninvolved” dad, Ciki said although her immediate family had not been hit by Aids, many in her impoverished community had.

“The role models, the important people are dying. So we have no one to look up to.”

Ciki added she was “blown away” by the course and having graduated, and was looking forward to starting work.

“The best thing was the wilderness walks because everything was new for me. It made me want to protect things. And it made me realise how vital trees are.”

The funding from Bhisho is being used for bursaries and pocket money for the new intake of Umzi.