LWAZI LWETHU NPO GRADUATES ARE EMPOWERED WITH PROJECT AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS THROUGH KZN DSD AND ETDP-SETA PARTNERSHIP

By Thandeka Dlamini 

• The recent graduation of 10 young individuals from the Lwazi Lwethu NPO in eThekwini South District, who received accredited certificates in Project and Financial Management, highlights a successful collaboration between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development and the Education, Training, and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP-SETA).
• This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster the capacity of local Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) by equipping members with essential skills for effective community project management.
• Through this programme, funded at R100,000, these graduates are now better prepared to lead community projects with financial accountability, contributing to sustainable development in KwaZulu-Natal.

A significant achievement was celebrated today as ten young individuals from Lwazi Lwethu NPO in eThekwini South District proudly received their accredited certificates in Project and Financial Management.

This success follows a partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development and the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP-SETA), with the aim of strengthening the capacity of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in KwaZulu-Natal.

The four-month training programme, funded by ETDP-SETA to the value of R100,000, was designed to equip Lwazi Lwethu NPO members with essential skills to manage projects and finances effectively within their communities.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Wentworth Youth Development Centre and was attended by key representatives from ETDP-SETA and KZN DSD eThekwini South District.

Commenting on the event, Ms Mbali Shinga, MEC of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, expressed her support for such initiatives, recognising the important role they play in empowering local youth.

“Today marks an important achievement not only for the Lwazi Lwethu NPO but for the future of our youth.

Through partnerships like this one with ETDP-SETA, we are helping to nurture a generation of young leaders equipped with the necessary skills to drive meaningful change in their communities,” MEC Shinga said.

She also emphasised that the partnership between KZN DSD and ETDP-SETA forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen the capacity of NPOs in the province. “We understand the pivotal role that NPOs play in addressing social challenges, and our commitment to their growth is resolute.

This training programme exemplifies how we are building a stronger, more resilient sector, and we remain focused on connecting NPOs with external donors and institutions to ensure sustainable development,” she added.

Lwazi Lwethu NPO, a youth-focused initiative in eThekwini South District, is committed to empowering young people in the area.

The members who graduated today are now better equipped to lead and manage community-based projects with enhanced financial accountability and project management expertise.

“The skills we’ve gained from this programme will help us make a real impact in our community,” said Sibusiso Ndlovu, one of the graduates. “We are excited to use what we’ve learned to create more opportunities for other young people in our area.”

The partnership between ETDP-SETA and KZN DSD is part of a broader NPO Partnership Model, designed to strengthen local organisations by linking them with external donors and support institutions.

This initiative will create a network of well-equipped, skilled organisations capable of driving sustainable development in KwaZulu-Natal.