The Mamelodi Initiative

Empowering students in Mamelodi, South Africa through education, mentorship, and opportunities.

Our Mission

The Mamelodi Initiative is a not-for-profit organization focused on improving the lives of residents in Mamelodi, South Africa. Through providing resources to enable community engagement and education, the Mamelodi Initiative strives to empower members of the community so that the community can make the changes it wants to see.

Why Education

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

Unfortunately, less than 50% of adults in Gauteng passed Matric and research shows non-white South Africans are the most likely to drop out, making this issue even more urgent in township communities. Increased drop-out rates lead to higher unemployment, higher crime rates, and more reliance on the government. Part of the reason for drop-outs is an accumulation of a knowledge gap. Research shows the holiday learning loss for low-income or disadvantaged youth is at least double that of their higher-income counterparts who traditionally have greater access to holiday programming.

Mamelodi is home to between 450,000 and 1.5 million people. Yet many youths, particularly young women, are not given the opportunity to access educational opportunities that can literally transform the world within which they operate. Mamelodi is challenged with high drop out rates, low matric pass rates, and extremely low university attendance rates. We have chosen to implement our programming here because we want to equip young people in Mamelodi with that “most powerful weapon” so that they can change their world.

Our History

The Mamelodi Initiative was started in 2007 as a collaborative effort comprised of individuals who care about the future of the Mamelodi Township and its youth. In 2010, the initiative evolved to focus specifically on education, developing a structured year-round programming model. Today, thousands of youth have benefited from programming provided through the initiative. The coalition offers a variety of engaging opportunities, from computer literacy to sports to holiday camps, all aimed at improving and empowering Mamelodi teens.

Our Values

  • We believe that the opportunity to learn leads to the power to make change.
  • We believe that all children deserve safe places to grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
  • We believe that all people should have equal opportunity to pursue their dreams.
  • We believe that every individual has the potential to achieve given the right tools and access to resources.

Our Team

Staff

Our staff plan and execute all programmes in Mamelodi.

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board provides strategic direction, fundraising support, and organizational accountability.

  • Nkateko Ndebele, Co-Chair
  • Cynthia Ayeza, Co-Chair
  • Michael Silvestri, Treasurer
  • Andrew Chi
  • Tom Rudelius
  • Nkosinathi Matsenjwa
  • Abongile Onah
  • Valerie Pierce
  • Itumeleng Mashifane