Leadworks Foundation CKC has celebrated a decade of serving communities, marking 10 years of providing education, skills development, technology training and support to residents of Cosmo City and surrounding areas.
The organisation held its 10th anniversary celebration in Cosmo City on Friday, 2 October, bringing together its team, community members and supporters to reflect on its journey and the impact of its programmes.
Speaking to Cosmo City Chronicle, Leadworks Foundation founder and chairman Makaudi Mustapha said the milestone represented a decade of commitment, sacrifice, perseverance and teamwork, driven by a desire to improve lives in the community.
“When Leadworks started ten years ago, we had a vision of creating opportunities for young people and communities — a place where people could access knowledge, technology, skills and support to improve their lives.”
Mustapha said the organisation had grown significantly since its establishment and continued to pursue its original vision of creating opportunities through education and skills development.
Over the past decade, Leadworks has extended its services to communities including Cosmo City, Zandspruit and Malatjie, according to the organisation.
Its programmes have included cybersecurity awareness, coding and robotics, life skills, entrepreneurship, security training, reading clubs, forklift training, coding clubs, youth development and Cisco-related training.
Overcoming funding challenges
The journey has not been without difficulties.
Mustapha said Leadworks had faced funding, resource and sustainability challenges during its decade of operation, but these had not stopped the organisation from pursuing its mission.
“Like many community organisations, we were faced with funding challenges, resources and sustainability. There were moments when we wondered how we would continue, but we continued because every challenge reminded us why we had started the movement,” he said.
Looking towards the next decade, Mustapha said the organisation intends to continue serving communities while expanding its work in areas such as cybersecurity education, coding and robotics, as well as creating more opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.
“We want to remain in the system, offer outstanding support in community centres, schools and young innovators. We wish to remain a centre of innovation and technology to cater for the needs in our communities,” he said.
Leadworks says its vision is to build empowered, skilled and sustainable communities where young people have access to education, technology, opportunities and the resources needed to reach their potential.
Its mission includes empowering individuals and communities through education, skills development, digital entrepreneurship and community-based programmes that can create pathways to employment, economic participation and sustainable development.
Community encouraged to take advantage of programmes
Leadworks Foundation CKC Centre Manager Mosima Mphahlele thanked community members who have supported and participated in the organisation's programmes over the years.
She encouraged people who have already received training to share information about available opportunities with others who may benefit.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for trusting, supporting and being part of us over a decade.”
Mphahlele also encouraged residents to communicate their challenges and needs to the organisation.
“We would like to encourage our communities to share feedback, especially their challenges and their needs. Leadworks is here to help,” she said.
Reflecting on her own experience, Mphahlele said working in community service had helped build her confidence and taught her the importance of organisation and selflessness.
“My biggest achievement is being a member of a team that makes a positive impact on society at large,” she said.
The organisation acknowledged support received over the years from organisations and institutions including the Department of Social Development, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Library Information Services, Iress SA, 22 On Sloane, Siyafunda CTC and Projects Literacy.
As Leadworks enters its next decade, the organisation says its focus remains on education, technology, skills development and creating opportunities that enable young people and communities to participate more meaningfully in the economy.