In the heart of Mzamomhle, hope fights wicked problems, learning blossoms at school desks, art is made on soccer fields and vegetables burst out in the yards of the most socio-economically crushed.
The pioneers of the Catch Project call it Bambelela! — literally, “hold on!”.
This has meant holding to their chest the dream of giving children the chance to learn, play, and thrive in the face of relentless poverty and overcrowded classrooms.
The Gonubie-based NGO celebrates its 24th anniversary this month. Founded by retired human resources manager, now a counsellor, Sue Davies, the organisation has reached more than 1,800 children every week, delivering programmes that build safety, health and independence.
Surviving through the years felt like “the greatest achievement,” Davies said.
“God has provided for us, and guided us.”
Under the leadership of director Delight Omoike, Catch has evolved while staying true to its mission.
Omoike said the words that should be engraved on their 24-year milestone were “never give up on the mission”.
Families had felt the benefit too, with 162 households cultivating vegetables on plots provided by Catch, boosting nutrition and self-sufficiency.
Young people had found safe spaces in sport, with trophy-winning soccer and netball teams fostering teamwork, discipline and confidence.
Bambelela! was started when Davies discovered local pupils were skipping school due to crushing overcrowding.
Grade 8s felt it most so the project opened its premises at 40 Gullsway to them.
Today, 260 grade 8 pupils attend lessons, enjoy meals, and participate in sport. They remain focused and engaged in their education and self-progress.
For them, Bambelela means hold on until you pass matric.
Space was needed so Kazin mobile units were brought in to create a student support and employment hub, which helps pupils with applications for tertiary education and bursaries.
The units also house a counselling centre, where social workers provide critical support to hundreds of residents each year — the centre is a lifeline for women and children affected by abuse.
Problems remain.
“We have vacant land but no structures. Our biggest need is more classrooms and security personnel to keep learners safe,” Omoike said.
She is determined to set up a skills and vocational training centre.
“Not every child reaches grade 12, and not every matric learner wants to go to tertiary institutions.
“We want to empower young people with practical skills to build a better future.”
Davies said that under Omoike’s leadership, Catch had started using artificial intelligence (AI) digital platforms to modernise operations.
“We’ve become more technically savvy and have upgraded processes. We use AI for efficiency.”
Partnerships with local schools have been especially impactful.
Mzamowethu Public School, a combined school designed for 1,200 pupils, but serving more than 2,000, has benefited from the Bambelela programme.
Headmaster Mxolisi Mgqibelo praised its effect: “The programme accommodates about 200 grade 8 learners, reducing overcrowding. Their attendance has improved, and so has their performance.”
Mgqibelo said pupils at Catch also benefitted from sport and the department of education’s nutrition programme.
Beyond academics, Catch’s social workers provide ongoing support to both the school and the wider community.
“Parents must encourage their children to stay in school so they can achieve their lifelong goals and become the future leaders of society,” he said.
In this year of reflection, Davies and staff sent out their heartfelt thanks to the many supporters who had walked alongside them in the journey.
Their generosity has helped children and families in Mzamomhle find hope, strength, and opportunity.
True to its name, Bambelela! calls us all to persevere, to never give up, to work like it does to inspire, support and strengthen the community in the face of numerous challenges.
