Siyakhulisa Community Development Centre [Masiphumelele]

Unlike most other townships on the fringes of the city, Masiphumelele – an informal settlement of about twenty thousand people – sprang up in isolation near Simons Town.

The community consists mainly of Xhosa people who came from the Eastern Cape in search of work. Sadly, most did not find it: the unemployment rate is around 90 per cent, resulting in extreme poverty and hardship.

Siyakhulisa CDC carried out a needs assessment to identify the most urgent community needs. As a result, economic development training for the hospitality industry is offered, to help women and youth find employment in this sector.