E-SUSTAINABILITY
EDUCATION
Training and access to education
Higher education correlates with increased employment opportunities and income potential. Improving education among the youth and vulnerable communities is essential for addressing unemployment and fostering economic self-reliance.
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High unemployment, especially among the youth, is a major concern in South Africa, exacerbated by a lack of basic job skills. Addressing this skills gap is crucial for improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth. Our educational initiatives focuses on developing high-demand skills and enhancing job readiness, targeting unemployed individuals, recent graduates, and youth, including rehabilitated beneficiaries and GBVF survivors.
Programs include:
Access to Accredited Qualifications: Providing recognized certifications that meet industry standards, enhancing employability.
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On-the-Job Training: Emphasizing practical experience to understand workplace dynamics and gain applicable skills.
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Personal Development: Focusing on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
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Partnerships with Relevant Stakeholders: Collaborating with industries and employers for further education, ensuring alignment with market needs and direct pathways to employment.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Small to Medium Enterprises
Our entrepreneurship program is designed to provide the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses. Through a structured approach that includes classroom training, mentorship, and practical implementation, we aim to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs who can uplift their communities, reduce poverty, and drive sustainable economic development.
Activities Include
Classroom Training: Our entrepreneurship programs begin with comprehensive classroom training, where participants learn the foundational principles of starting and running a business. This includes instruction on business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and legal considerations. The curriculum is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills necessary to turn their ideas into viable business ventures.
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Mentorship and Implementation: Following the classroom training, participants receive on-going mentorship. This mentorship provides invaluable guidance and support as they navigate the complexities of launching and growing their businesses. Mentors offer practical advice, share insights from their own experiences, and help entrepreneurs develop effective strategies to overcome challenges.
EMPLOYMENT
THE ULTIMATE GOAL
SELF-SUSTAINABILITY!
the Transformas
What is a Transforma?
A Transforma is a participant in our programs who has successfully navigated through the Food Security, Healthcare, and either the Education or Entrepreneurship program. This achievement signifies that they have acquired the necessary skills or developed a winning business plan, making them ready for full-time employment or business implementation support. Transformas are empowered both extrinsically and intrinsically.
Business implementation support involves tracking the health of their business to ensure not only profitability but also job creation with sustainable salaries and benefits, enabling them to support their families and contribute to local economies. For those pursuing employment, work placement ensures that Transformas have the essential skills and knowledge, empowering them to secure meaningful employment.
By investing in entrepreneurship and education, we cultivate a skilled workforce, strengthen local businesses, and build resilient economies, fostering sustainable community development.
Apply/Participate in Our Programs
Entrepreneurship Program
Open: 22 October 2025 Closing: 14 March 2026
The Patch-Up South Africa Business Support Programme is a 10-month initiative that forms part of our preventative strategy to reduce homelessness, drug and substance abuse, and social vulnerability in communities.
Patch-Up South Africa exists to support individuals at risk of falling into cycles of poverty, addiction, and homelessness. One of the ways we do this is by creating opportunities for people to become self-sufficient and economically active. Through the Business Support Programme, we empower unemployed individuals, small business owners (registered or unregistered), and those seeking income-generating opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
The programme begins with a community survey designed to better understand the aspirations, challenges, and support needs of local entrepreneurs and job seekers. This information helps Patch-Up South Africa and its partners design targeted interventions that respond directly to the realities of the communities we serve.
Participants selected from the survey will join the 10-month Business Support Programme, which provides:
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Entrepreneurship and business training to develop practical skills for starting and managing a business.
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Access to industry networking events to connect participants with mentors, funders, and business peers.
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Tools and material support to strengthen or launch small enterprises.
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Business pitch opportunities for exposure to potential partners and investors.
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Ongoing mentorship and monitoring to ensure long-term growth and stability.
This initiative is part of Patch-Up South Africa’s broader E-Sustainability Programme, which works alongside our Healthcare and Food Security programmes. Together, these interventions address the root causes of social challenges by promoting employment, education, stability, and hope.
Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to complete the short survey below:
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"I am living proof that recovery is possible. As a former substance user, I've walked through the darkest of times. But with the support of Patch- Up South Africa, I've found a new lease on life. Working as part of agriculture team has been instrumental in my recovery journey. The therapeutic benefits of working in nature, combined with the sense of purpose and belonging, have helped me heal and grow.I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back and help others who are walking the same path. My story is a testament to the power of rehabilitation and the impact that supportive communities can have on our lives."
Patch-Up Transforma, Substance Recovery Program