We are Umphakathi
"We don't build and break.
We learn and create"
We are a non-profit company actively upskilling and providing youth between 15-24 years old with free workplace experience & training opportunities. We serve as Geberit's official training partner in South Africa. We turn development opportunity into skills development.
Our Mission
Break the no experience = no job = no experience cycle
We target disadvantaged youth who lack the privilege of access to opportunities and resources.
We break the cycle by facilitating free on-the-job, practical training and work experience in the construction industry.
Our aim is to expand this methodology to additional roles and experiences in hospitality, retail, administration and logistics.
Activities
The Impact
Since 2021 we have reached:
School Learners reached during our holiday programme.
810+
High Schools
reached in Gauteng and Free State.
20
Meals Provided
during training at our facilities in Bez Valley.
1800+
School Leavers
completed the workplace experience programme.
5
"I learnt quite a lot in terms of being a person and in terms of being an experienced professional. I think it was incredible for me because it built me as a person from a social point of view and a professional point of view.”
- Thabo, 2023 School Leaver Graduate
Our Programmes
Workplace Experience and Skills Development
We offer free programmes for school learners, school leavers, and young adults in Gauteng, South Africa. Our commitment is to provide participants with the necessary training materials and equipment to ensure they are up-skilled appropriately.
Our Work Supports
Youth Employment
We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. However, the youth unemployment rate in SA is alarmingly high, with over 60% of young people between 15-24 not employed or in school. We are passionate about finding long term solutions to this challenge.
Addressing SA's Skills Gap
We believe that the best way to break the unemployment cycle is to provide youth with the skills and experience they need to succeed as employees or entrepreneurs. This is why our programmes prioritize hands-on training and workplace experience.
Sustainable Development
We believe that our development approach must address climate change. That is why we take pride in transforming existing structures, repurposing materials, and implement energy-saving solutions to minimize environmental impact and promote a greener future.
Our Partners
