Empowering local communities through skills development and sustainable opportunities
In a bold move to strengthen economic independence and entrepreneurship in rural communities, Avo Vision, in partnership with Mafube Coal Mine, officially launched the 2025 Livelihood Restoration Programme for the second year running, which includes Business Development and Landlord Development initiatives. The programme aims to equip resettled households in Sikhululiwe and Sam-Rose village with the skills and knowledge to create sustainable businesses, manage properties and generate income.
Empowering local communities through skills development and sustainable opportunities
The launch event, held on 16 August 2025 at the Sikhululiwe community hall in Mpumalanga, attracted excited community members eager to learn how they could take part. Applications for the Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) role opened the same day and will run until 25 August 2025, creating an additional job and income opportunity within the community. Application forms were shared with the community of Sikhululiwe and Sam-Rose village on the day of the launch ensuring everyone had the opportunity to apply.
Leadership voices on the impact of entrepreneurship
Speaking at the launch, Sikhululiwe local Councillor Iddy Mahlangu highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in rural development:
“Programmes like this change lives. They give our people not just hope but the tools to create jobs for themselves and others. We’ve seen the impact from last year and I am confident this year’s participants will go even further,” said Cllr Mahlangu.
This year, Mafube Coal Mine will identify 28 participants for the Business Development programme and 33 for the Landlord Development programme.
Building on last year’s success
Last year, the Livelihood Restoration programme offered only one programme, the Business Development Programme which achieved remarkable results, establishing 14 new businesses and creating 17 jobs with women and young entrepreneurs among the most positively impacted.
This year, Avo Vision and Mafube Coal Mine expanded the initiative by adding the Landlord Development Programme, providing even more opportunity for skills growth and income generation.
Building on that success, this year’s programme offers participants:
Business Development training through the Give Yourself a Job (GYAJ) initiative, incorporating financial literacy workshops with Money Fo’ Sho as the flagship programme for cultivating positive money management habits.
Landlord Development training, providing skills to manage rental properties effectively and generate sustainable income.
Practical business exercises including market research, product development, growth planning and property management strategies.
Community-driven involvement and benefits
Local caterers and service providers from Sikhululiwe and Sam-Rose village will again be included, providing additional income opportunities for the community. These local caterers will be responsible for providing meals and refreshments to both the trainers and trainees throughout the training sessions and workshops, ensuring community members also benefit from the programme’s activities.
Community members expressed excitement for the programme at the launch:
Lindokuhle Mahlangu, a previous participant, said, “This programme opened my eyes. Before, I had a small ‘Business in a Box’ selling basic products. Now I run a shop and employ someone. I want other community members to feel this same excitement and independence.”
Nomsa Dlamini, added, “I’ve always wanted to start my own catering business. Hearing about last year’s success stories makes me confident that I can also create something sustainable for my family.”
A call to action for a brighter future
“We encourage all eligible community members to apply for the CLO role. This is a real opportunity to take control of your financial future, learn new skills and make a lasting impact on our villages. The successes of last year show it’s possible and this year even more people can benefit,” said Cllr Mahlangu.
With this new roll-out, Avo Vision and Mafube Coal Mine continue to uplift rural communities, creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, property management and community development.
Read more about what Avo Vision has been up to here
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