iThemba’s programme manager determined to bring change
The primary function of iThemba is to render psychosocial, therapy and education to the community.
Thulani Mnyandu has been appointed as the programme manager at the iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre.
The Roodepoort resident took over from the acting centre manager Shelley Bent earlier this year.
Mnyandu is passionate about working with abused women and children, something that he has been doing for the past 13 years.
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He previously worked for various organisations such as the Teddy Bear Clinic, Lighthouse Rehabilitation Centre, Sizanani Child and Youth Care Centre and Khanya Family Centre. From 2017 to 2019, Mnyandu worked in the Department of Military Veterans.
He holds a degree in social work. The programme manager said it is priceless to see clients who arrive broken but change for the better as the journey progresses.
“Bringing change or making a difference in someone’s life fulfils me. I didn’t get any help when I was growing up but helping someone else gives me satisfaction,” said Mnyandu.
“Even though we can’t assist everyone, but helping just one person makes a difference because changing someone’s behaviour and perception is not easy.”
His father died at the age of nine and he was raised by her mother with his other five siblings.
Mnyandu and the new board plans to relaunch iThemba to the community by changing its mission and vision, which will be announced soon.
The NPO receives support from the Department of Social Development, but not all needs are covered.
“I want to attract more donors and also to be transparent about how these donations are utilised. We would appreciate monetary donations or a sponsor that can help us find a new office that can be easier located by our clients,” he said.
“We would also appreciate a donation of a vehicle and phones so we can be able to travel to clients. We have at the moment two vehicles that are used by 10 Victim Empowerment Centres (VEC) offices.”
The primary function of iThemba is to render psychosocial, therapy and education to the community. The organisation has eight VEC’s based at Ekurhuleni police stations, the main office being in Western Extension.
Their main office is on 119 Mowbray Avenue and the VEC offices are at the Actonville, Benoni, Boksburg Crystal Park, Daveyton, Etwatwa, Putfontein and Tsakane police stations.
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