The City’s Community Development Worker (CDW) programme plays an important role in identifying needs and facilitating economic empowerment in communities around Cape Town. One of many grassroots initiatives receiving support from this programme is a woman-led tar-making/paving maintenance small business in Mandela Park, Khayelitsha.
The CDW programme as part of its commitment this financial year has injected a sum of R50 000 towards supporting the business, and these funds were used to buy materials and equipment. This has allowed for the employment of eight female youth community members, with the intention to hire and transfer skills to an additional 10 female beneficiaries.
The business was founded by Nandipha Tokoyi, from Khayelitsha, who learnt how to make tar during her previous employment, and saw potential to turn this skill into a business to serve her community. The project is being monitored and guided by the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government to ensure that the business remains sustainable.
The process involves buying tar in 25kg bags and processing this for fixing private residential pathways/driveways mainly around the Khayelitsha area. The project is however expanding, and opportunities are being created beyond the Khayelitsha boundaries.
‘There is so much untapped potential in our marginalised communities that can be unlocked with the right support. Showcasing a programme like the CDW programme can also hopefully inspire residents to pursue their own creative or unconventional business ideas. Life in South Africa is full of challenges, and there is money to be made if residents can come up with innovative solutions,’ said Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management.