News

Building Stronger Communities: City’s Women and Men for Change Programme

July 9, 2023

1 min read

The City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department has taken a proactive step in empowering women and men through their Women and Men for Change programme. Over the past year, the programme has supported over 900 individuals, making a significant impact in the community.

Women for Change Programme

The Women for Change programme, now in its ninth year, focuses on creating employment opportunities through the City’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The programme primarily targets tenants of City-owned rental stock units and trains and deploys them throughout the city to uplift the areas where these units are situated.

The programme aims to capacitate women by providing training and mentoring to implement community development programmes, creating employment opportunities, and raising awareness about service delivery requests through C3 notifications. It also extends support to individuals and families affected by social issues such as substance abuse and gender-based violence. Participants have access to an array of training opportunities such as substance abuse, entrepreneurship, and first aid.

Men for Change Programme

The Men for Change programme seeks to reflect on culture, religion, and traditions and their effects on family and community relationships. It assists individuals, organisations, and institutions in planning change interventions and explores the inter-relatedness of substance abuse and violence against women and children. It aims to contribute to reducing gender-based violence levels and encourages participants to be positive role models for their children and contribute to building healthy and safe communities.

Positive Impact

In the last fiscal year, the two programmes created over 900 opportunities, with 653 in the Women for Change programme and 259 in the Men for Change programme. Remarkably, a majority of these participants continue to volunteer even after their EPWP contracts have ended, while others have found employment with their placement organisations.

Participants in the programme also serve as ambassadors for the City by assisting those in need and helping them access various social services. Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, expressed her encouragement at the number of participants and hoped for an even wider reach in the next 12 months.

A Game-Changer

The Women for Change programme has proven to be a game-changer for many, and the more recent Men’s programme is also making significant strides. These cutting-edge programmes are an essential part of the many social development interventions targeting the challenges within our social fabric.

Building stronger individuals contributes to more resilient communities, addressing critical issues such as unemployment, substance abuse, violence, and gangsterism. The City’s Women and Men for Change programme is a testament to the power of community empowerment in fostering a brighter future.

Tags:

'rate our service' survey

Serjio Zakharoff
Latest posts

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Maximising ROI: How CEOs Can Use Recruitment Agencies to Drive Business Growth

As business leaders, CEOs constantly search for strategic tools to drive growth and maximise return on investment (ROI). One such avenue is leveraging the expertise of recruitment services. With over 40 years of experience, MASA (Measured Ability South Africa) stands out as a leading player in the recruitment and staffing solutions industry, offering a blend of innovative strategies and time-tested methods to enhance your business performance. The Strategic Advantage of Recruitment Agencies In today’s fast-paced business world, the right staffing decisions are crucial. Recruitment agencies like MASA offer a streamlined, efficient approach to hiring that brings numerous benefits: 1. Access

Durban Super Giants Outshine Paarl Royals in SA20 Cricket League

The Durban Super Giants and Paarl Royals went headtohead in an exhilarating cricket match that left fans on the edge of their seats. The game took place at the Kingsmead Stadium, a renowned venue for cricket, and was the talk of the town. The Super Giants emerged victorious, cementing their supremacy in the SA20 league.

Latest from Blog

vaping south african teenagers adolescent health risks

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

south african agriculture agoa trade impact

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

saps officers missing hennops river tragedy

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

cape town boatbuilding maritime industry

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.

the ultimate mother city guide