Ikamva Labantu

12/05/2026

Can a few coins make a difference?

The students behind Hout Bay International School’s coin collection drive in support of Ikamva Labantu are proving exactly that.

Their initiative, inspired by the message “Give a penny, help many,” was recently featured by Good Things Guy — helping shine a wider light on the power of compassion, leadership, and collective action.

What began as a student-led effort has already inspired meaningful conversations around empathy, community leadership, and the impact small acts can make when people come together.

And the campaign is still ongoing.

If you would like to support the students’ efforts and help contribute towards community-led programmes supporting children, youth, and elders across Cape Town townships, you can still get involved.

Read the story here:
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/cape-town-students-small-change-impact/

Thank you to the students, teachers, and wider Hout Bay International School community for walking this journey with us and thank you to Good Things Guy for helping share the story more widely.

Cape Town students from the Hout Bay International School's French class are raising funds for Ikamva Labantu, a local Cape Town nonprofit.

08/05/2026

Meet Champion Mkhontwana, Facilities Assistant at Ikamva Labantu.

Champion has been part of the Ikamva Labantu family since 2008, where he helps care for shared spaces, maintains gardens, supports with donations, and assists wherever he is needed.

His love for gardening is evident in everything he does. He enjoys working with flowers and vegetables and often shares his knowledge with others, encouraging people to start their own gardens at home.

But for Champion, the work is about more than daily tasks.

Through his work, he has built meaningful relationships with many of the seniors who attend our clubs. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing a conversation, or simply greeting someone with warmth and kindness, Champion values being able to show care to people who may not always experience it in their daily lives.

He says he finds joy in being able to contribute positively to his community and support others in small but meaningful ways.

Over the years, being part of Ikamva Labantu has also helped Champion build a home for his family and support his children through their studies, including one pursuing engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

Stories like Champion’s remind us that community care is often built through everyday acts of kindness, compassion and service.

01/05/2026

To every worker building, caring, teaching and serving, thank you. You are shaping stronger communities every day.

Happy Workers’ Day. The future is in our hands.

29/04/2026

Meet Alfred Nkosinathi Sbhoxo, one of our Seniors Club members from Ncedisizwe in KTC.

For a long time, Alfred lived in a world that felt quiet and distant. Conversations were difficult, and he often found himself smiling and nodding, unsure if he had heard correctly.

“One of my ears was really stubborn,” he shares. “I could barely make out what people were saying.”

Through Ikamva Labantu’s Health Programme, Alfred received hearing aids, a simple intervention that changed everything.

“Now I hear well,” he says.

Today, Alfred joins in conversations, takes part in activities, and shares moments with others at the club, no longer on the outside, but fully present.

Because care is not only about health, it’s about restoring connection, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

22/04/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the students and teachers at Hout Bay International School.

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of spending time with the French class, where we witnessed the launch of a powerful student-led initiative inspired by a French coin collection campaign.

With thought, care, and creativity, the students have placed collection boxes across their school, inviting others to take part through a simple but powerful message:

“Give a penny, help many.”

Through this initiative, they are raising funds to support the work of Ikamva Labantu, walking alongside children, young people, and elders in township communities across Cape Town.

What stood out most is that they chose to act. After learning more, they didn’t stop there, they created a way for their entire school community to be part of something meaningful.

Even a small coin can be part of something bigger. The future is not something we wait for, it is something we build, together.

If you’d like to support this initiative, you can contribute here:

Ikamva.org.za/donate

💡 If you’re a school or group inspired to start something similar, we would love to hear from you.

08/04/2026

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY CIRCULAR
MEDIA AND MARKETING LEAD: FUNDRAISING DEPARTMENT
(PERMANENT HYBRID ROLE BASED AT HEAD OFFICE – WOODSTOCK)

Ikamva Labantu is an award-winning non-profit and community-led organisation that, for over 65 years, has worked across Cape Town’s townships towards a more just society where human rights can be fully actualised. We empower local change-makers in our under-resourced communities through ECD training, safe after-school spaces for youth, and dignified elder support — so that local people lead and sustain the change in their own neighbourhoods.

The Media and Marketing Lead is a high-energy, strategic, and hands-on role responsible for shaping and amplifying the organisation’s public voice, visibility, and influence. The role ensures communications and fundraising are tightly integrated so that we ultimately grow income. This role leads the creation of powerful content - including op-eds, feature articles, media commentary, social media posts, public speaking engagements and our Annual Report – to increase engagement and position the organisation as a trusted authority and leader in its field.

This is a full-time, hybrid working position, and the successful candidate will join a diverse professional team and report to the Head of Communications & Fundraising.

Key Performance Areas:
• Manage Media (traditional and New) Outreach
• Manage Integrated Marketing
• Support Fundraising and Advocacy Campaign Activation
• Manage Content Creation & Storytelling
• Digital Strategy and Performance Marketing
• Manage Brand and Visual Identity
• Tracking, Reporting, and Performance Analysis

Minimum Requirements & Competencies:
• A degree relevant to the field of Journalism, Marketing and Communications
• International development or minimum of eight years proven experience in a similar role.
• 5+ years’ experience in media, communications, journalism, or content strategy, ideally within a nonprofit or social impact setting (however, we are open to candidates shifting from corporate roles)
• Driver’s Licence and own vehicle
• Exceptional writing skills, with proven experience in:
o Op-eds and articles
o Reports
o Thought leadership content
• Planning and organising ability and strong interpersonal skills
• Experience leading production of major publications (e.g. Annual Reports)
• Strong media network and experience securing earned media
• Proven ability to execute campaigns across multiple channels
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, hands-on environments (including events and fieldwork)
• Enthusiasm and willingness to work within township communities

Desirable:
• Experience with Google Ad Grants, social media analytics tools and/or Wordpress
• Experience of photography/video capture
• Graphic design and video editing skills
• Knowledge of isiXhosa

A market-related remuneration package is offered, and Ikamva Labantu is committed to the principles of Employment Equity Legislation.

Please forward applications by email to the Human Resources Department [email protected]

Closing Date: 19 April 2026
Commencement date: as soon as possible.

If not contacted within 14 days after closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

08/04/2026

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY 30/03/2026
SOCIAL WORKER: PSYCHOSOCIAL DEPARTMENT
(PERMANENT ROLE BASED AT KWAKHANYA EARLY LEARNING CENTRE IN KHAYELITSHA)

Ikamva Labantu is a non-profit organisation that works throughout Cape Town’s township communities towards a more just society where human rights can be fully actualised. We have a holistic and community-led approach to the sustainable development of impoverished communities, with a focus on early childhood development, the wellbeing of older persons and afterschool initiatives for children. We have been working with at-risk communities for 60 years by providing resources, training, and support.

The purpose of this role is to provide promotional, preventative and protective services to improve the social wellbeing and functioning of the seniors (older persons), children and their families. This role has a strong developmental and community centred approach. It does not focus on casework counselling as the primary method of intervention.

Key Performance Areas include:
• Identify and refer for therapeutic counselling and interventions
• Coordinate community development programmes and services
• Networking with various stakeholders and developing referral systems
• Managing and co-ordinating capacity building for field staff
• Ensuring all relevant reports and administration are completed timeously
• Supervision of Social Auxiliary Workers

Requirements:
• A relevant social work degree and valid registration with the Council for Social Services Professions
• Maintenance of Continued Professional Development requirements
• Proven relevant experience in:
 Community development and family work
 The co-ordination of projects and/or programmes to ensure children, youth and seniors and their families are receiving services within their communities
 Advocacy and Community Relations
• Excellent knowledge and implementation of relevant legislation including, the Older Persons Act and the Child Care Act
• Demonstrated skills and competencies:
 Working independently and meeting deadlines
 Well-developed interpersonal skills set including conflict management
 Well-developed self-awareness and self-management
 The ability to work within complex systems and networks
• Demonstrating the organisation’s values: commitment, compassion, humility, accountability, integrity and respect
• Supervisory experience
• A valid driver’s licence and own vehicle
• The ability to:
 work within the townships
 work flexible hours when required
• Good verbal and written English and isiXhosa ability

A market related remuneration package is offered, and Ikamva Labantu is committed to the principles of Employment Equity Legislation. Disabled people are encouraged to apply.

Please forward application by email to the Human Resources Department at [email protected]

Closing Date: 12 April 2026
Commencement date: as soon as possible
If not contacted within 14 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

12/03/2026

Throwback Thursday ✨

Moments like these remind us of the power of creativity in young people’s lives.

Through our partnership with SboNdaba Dance, children from our Afternoon Angels Programme had the opportunity to explore movement, storytelling and self-expression through dance.

Over weeks of learning and practising together, the children discovered new confidence, teamwork and joy in performing.

Watching them take the stage with such energy and pride was a beautiful reminder of what happens when young people are given the opportunity to grow, learn and express themselves.

The performance also brought together different generations, with our seniors and young people sharing the stage and celebrating creativity as a community. Moments like these remind us that communities thrive when generations learn from and support one another.

We are grateful to SboNdaba Dance for sharing their time, passion and creativity with the children in our programmes.

Because when young people are given opportunities to grow, communities grow stronger too and the future truly is in our hands.

Did you have a teacher, mentor, or activity growing up that helped you discover your confidence?

09/03/2026

Meet Zimkhitha, one of our facilitators — she’s the one in the bright blue tracksuit.

Zimkhitha’s journey with Ikamva Labantu began more than a decade ago. In 2008, while she was still in Grade 11, she lost her mother. Suddenly, she and her siblings found themselves navigating life as a child-led household.

During that difficult time, Ikamva Labantu became a place of care, guidance and hope.

Today, Zimkhitha is part of the team giving back.

As a facilitator in our Afternoon Angels Programme, she works with Safety Marshals who lead sports clubs for children in the neighbourhoods, helping them build confidence, teamwork and leadership while keeping them active and safe after school.

“Being able to help children in my own neighbourhood gives me great joy.”

Stories like Zimkhitha’s remind us what becomes possible when communities support one another and local leaders rise to give back.

Help us reach and support more children, youth and elders in our communities. You can make a once-off donation or become a monthly donor to sustain programmes like these throughout the year.

ikamva.org.za/donate

04/03/2026

We extend our sincere thanks to Pienaar Brothers for their generous donation of clothing items for children in our programmes.

The donation includes school jerseys, gumboots, scarves and beanies, supporting children in our Child, Youth and Parenting Programme and at Kwakhanya Educare Centre.

We are grateful for partners like Pienaar Brothers who stand alongside our communities and contribute to building The Future of Our People.

Learn more about our work:
ikamva.org.za

26/02/2026

There is still time to make a difference before the tax year closes on 28 February.

If you’ve been thinking about making a donation, we hope you’ll keep us in mind.

For over 60 years, Ikamva Labantu has worked alongside communities, supporting children, families and older persons through programmes rooted in dignity, care and opportunity. It is the generosity of supporters like you that makes this work possible.

Donations of R100 or more made before the tax year closes qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate.

To donate visit : www.ikamva.org.za