The Assumption Development Centre in Joza has become as an invaluable strategic partner for both Rhodes University and other community-oriented organisations and enterprises in Makhanda. Under the keen direction of Masonwabe Nduna and his team, the ADC is a vibrant space where entrepreneurship, skill development and healing are promoted in community sensitive ways. By responding to the wishes and needs of its community, the ADC seeks to transform the economy and encourage young people to explore their business ideas and reach their full potential. This year, the Centre was awarded the 2024 Community Engagement Awards Community Partner of the Year for their commitment to community development, partnership and reciprocity throughout the year.
"We rise by lifting others…We are deeply grateful for the continuous partnership [with RUCE] and the opportunity to grow together. It is an honour for ADC to be recognised as the Community Partner of the Year. This achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment of everyone involved in this incredible journey,” a statement on behalf of the Centre reads.
The ADC offers several programmes to members of the community. By strategically partnering with various local organisations and Rhodes University departments, the centre is able to implement its holistic model for Socio-Economic Development. This model involves post-schooling options, computer literacies and other life skills, as well as enterprise development and support for SMMEs.
The Assumption Development Centre provides essential services for the community. They have a Computer Lab with devices connected to the internet and work with the Social Innovation Hub at RUCE to offer digital literacy courses. The ADC also partners with the Rhodes Law Clinic to offer free legal advice to the public. The Centre offers a range of other skills development workshops. Some workshops offered have been CV and Business Plan development; Financial Literacy with GBS Bank, Enterprise Accelleration with Socio-Next and Digital Storytelling. The Centre also promotes personal savings through the SaveACT Clubs.
Since 2023, the Assumption Development Centre has been a vital member of the University initiative, Masakhe Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme. Masakhe is a partnership between Rhodes University Infrastructure and Operations, Rhodes Business School, Rhodes University Community Engagement and the ADC. Masakhe facilitates enterprise development in Makhanda and by creating opportunities for local enterprises to become suppliers to Rhodes University, or to improve the current capacity.
Over 15 Early Childhood Development Centres have benefited from this project and over 25 enterprises have been supported since 2023. Several young people have also been trained in Hospitality and been placed in various internships.
Malwande Bebeza is the owner of a local ginger beer company, Granny’s Ginger Beer and received his certificate for the Business Development courses offered through the programme. Reflecting after the certificate ceremony, Bebeza wrote,
“What a time to be alive. It is at this moment here that it finally clicked for me that my life has really changed for the better.”
Left: Vice Chancellor Prof Sizwe Mabizela and Malwande Bebeza at the Launch of the Masakhe ESD Programme in August 2024 by Sizo Media. Right: Rhodes University Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr Kamlesh Riga welcoming guests to the launch.
Second Chance Matric Programme
This year alone, the Second Chance Matric Programme has given 157 young people the opportunity to complete their education or improve their matric results to increase their options for employment or further education.
By partnering with the Department of Education and Maqubs Academy of Excellence, the Centre ensures that qualified teachers and tutors are available to support participants of the programme.
Thabiso Life Skills
The ADC's holistic approach involves opportunities to improve life skills and employability. The Thabiso Life Skills course, facilitated by Princess Makhatha, teaches a broad range of capacities and skills needed by people to deal with every aspect of their lives.
This knowledge and these skills can be grouped into broad categories: self; self-sufficiency; and work, family and community.
Additionally, the ADC provides work placement opportunities for graduates of the Thabiso Life Skills Course.
Thabiso Life Skills course. Photo Supplied from Facebook: Assumption Development Centre
Social Employment Fund
The ADC are part of the IDC's Social Employment Fund and have integrated their SEF interns into their developmental model, facilitating valuable learning opportunities and experiences. Collaborating with Rhodes Music Radio, the ADC facilitate practical learning experiences in a media environment as part of their Media training course.
Left: Princess Makhatha presenting Ms Peter with her certifcate in Computer Skills. Top Right: Masonwabe Nduna facilitating a session at the ADC. Photo by Sizo Media. Bottom Right: Princess, Siposetu and Nwabisa creating digital stories at a workshop at RUCE.
ADC Counselling Centre
In 2022, the ADC team celebrated the success of a recent initiative, the ADC Psychology Clinic which was awarded a Vice Chancellor’s Distinguished Award for Community Engagement. The Department of Psychology’s Prof Megan Campbell, Dr Duane Booysen, Ms Nqobile Msomi and Ms Christine Lewis and Ms Mandisa Ndabula from the Division of Student Affairs received the award.
Over the years, the Assumption Development Centre has collaborated with Rhodes University Education Department, the Department of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, National Arts Festival, Raphael Centre, Makana Brick, Ubunye Foundation, Joza Youth Hub and Gadra Education, just to name a few!
The ADC continues to grow and to deepen its impact on its community by being responsive to local needs and by embracing local voices.