CAST leader’s programme empowers young people

TWENTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD Mthobisi Mbutho is one of the young people who are part of the Church Alliance for Social Transformation (CAST) Just Leaders programme.

The programme is aimed at young leaders who are passionate about leading people, churches and communities towards social justice.

CAST communications officer Rolan Gulston said they aim to empower young people to be ‘just leaders’, leaders who are fully equipped to understand what justice in their local areas looks like and how to lead others towards this.

Also read: CAST cares for families in need

Mbutho, a Savannah Park resident, said he got to know about CAST at his church, the Baptist church in his area.

“I moved from Umlazi, and I have been in the area for just over a year.”

Mbutho said that prior to moving to Savannah Park, he did not attend church.

“I have to say, my life has changed ever since I joined the church and was introduced to CAST. The organisation started by providing food parcels before introducing this programme,” he said.

The programme has helped Mbutho and others to look at the world differently. He said it has helped him a great deal and has opened his eyes to better understand the social challenges in his community and to do something about it.

Also read: Local NPO honours former execs at fundraiser

“I can truly say, it has changed my life for the better,” he said.

Mbutho and four other young people assist each other with various skills and now bake, sew and do gardening to help them earn an income and be leaders themselves.

“When we started, there were 16 of us, and we each gave R20 to some of the things to start our small businesses.

“Most of the things are donated, and we use the church equipment to work, and we are very grateful,” he said.

With the little money they get, Mbutho said he is able to buy bread and toiletries.

“I really urge young people to stand up and do things for themselves, especially with the employment rate so low.”

Although Mbutho failed his matric, he said this has given him a will to carry on.

“Anything is possible, and I will put this positivity into finishing my matric.”

He added that with this chance, he wants to strive for success as growing up, he always wanted to be a business owner.

“I would really like to pursue a business that will cater for my community. I would also like to thank the grannies in the area who passed on their sewing skills to us,” he said.

 

Help raise funds

The Highway community is encouraged to support the Just Leaders programme at their upcoming Christmas Market fundraise – combined with Home Ground Westville Church’s 60th Anniversary celebration.

The event will be held on Friday, December 1, from 17:00 to 21:00, and Saturday, December 2, from 08:00 to 14:00. It will be held at 2 Church Place, Westville.

“Bring your family and friends along to find the perfect gifts for loved ones, and tuck into some delicious food. Children are sure to have a ball at the carnival on Friday night! Small business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this awesome opportunity to gain exposure and boost product sales,” Gulston.

Visit the CAST website for more information and stall bookings, cast.org.za, email George on info@cast.org.za, or call 031 266 8830.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel.