Meet Trailblazing Vusumzi Mtwayi, Aka Mr. Programmer
Story 1 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Much to his fellow students’ amusement, Vusumzi Mtwayi didn’t even know how to switch on a PC on his first day at college. Today he is an experienced web developer honing his skills at a dynamic digital marketing agency in Paarl. But life wasn’t without its challenges, and it wasn’t a smooth ride to get where he is today.
One Heck of a One Woman Show – Creating A Safe, Stimulating Space For Township Toddlers
Story 2 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Patricia Vuka has a powerful combination of faith and determination. As owner of Thembinkosi Day Care Centre, she is a well-loved and respected figure in her community and the go to person for many young people.
Creating A Legacy of Launching Community Entrepreneurs
Story 3 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. After struggling for two years to find a job, Ivan Swartz realised that this was all part of the plan that would lead him to follow his passion; helping community entrepreneurs make a success out of their lives.
Pilar Of Strength In Service Of Her Community
Story 4 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Maggie Brickles has spent her whole life in service of the community, and she has a passion for making a difference in peoples’ lives.
Ex-Gang-Leader Gives Back to Paarl’s Disadvantaged Communities
Story 5 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Danny Arendse has been in more prisons and belonged to more gangs than he cares to remember. All that matters to him now is encouraging and guiding the youth, and playing an active role in his community.
It’s Not Just About Coffee – Giving Troubled Youngsters a Hope and A Dream
Story 6 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Anyone who’s ever met Cheslin Grobler will tell you there is more to the gifted barista than meets the eye. This dynamic young man, who greets one and all with a smile in the shared office space in the KWV building in Paarl, is on a mission. A mission to share some of the life lessons he learnt with young people like him and to teach them more than just coffee making skills.
From Begging on Street Corners to Inspiring High School Learners
Story 8 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Standing tall in front of her class of gr. 10 learners, Precious Phuleng* still gets emotional when thinking about the time she begged for bones at local butcheries with her baby girl on her back.
Bringing Healing and Happiness to Children Through Horses
Story 9 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. M’Lani Basson is well-known in Paarl, and throughout the country, for the wonderful work she does in the field of horse-assisted therapy for children from disadvantaged communities. Through her non-profit organisation, Amado, she is putting smiles on the faces of children who don’t often have reason to smile.
Not Letting What You Get Define You, But What You Create
Story 10 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Despite growing up in Bishop Lavis, one of the country’s most disadvantaged areas, Nicole Mountain is determined to lead the youth in a new direction, dream big and achieve great things.
Creating a Sense of Community Around Fitness
Story 12 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Olivia Du Plessis clung to her dream of running her own fitness studio despite people telling her to go and find a ‘real job’. She never gave up and today she employs three people, does motivational speaking at schools, has an active charity program and gives much needed advice on diet to people who need it the most.
Ironman Songo Hoping To Inspire Township Youth To Greater Heights
Story 15 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. The unstoppable Songo Fipaza is a man on a mission to raise awareness and bring hope to Kayamandi’s youngsters through sport.
A Life Of Obedience With A Heart For The Nations
Story 16 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. The local women involved in charity projects often neglect their own emotional needs because they are too busy caring for others. Through the Sunflower Project, Wendy Slabbert wants to facilitate a process where these selfless women can take the time to tell their own stories and to find healing for wounds they forgot they even had.
An interview with Chrisri Dyason
Story 17 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Chrisri Dyason tries her best to mentor the students at TMT and help them find meaning in what they do.
An interview with Lume Koorts
Story 20 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. A first-year student at Timothy Ministry Training, Lume explained that earlier last year she felt that God spoke a word to her that she is called to be a ‘’mother of many .”
An interview with Brindley Pritchard
Story 21 in the in Harmonie Stories of Change from disharmony to harmony. Brindley is a fine artist, an art tutor, a lover of people and a child of the Lord.
An interview with Elsie du Plessis
Story 22 We had the chance to interview Elsie du Plessis from Miracle Kidz Safe House. She informed us about the charity organisation, the challenges they encounter and how they move forward with hope.
An interview with Kobus la Grange
Story 23 We had the chance to interview Kobus la Grange, the operations manager at H.G. Molenaar. He shared his challenges and how to overcome them, as well as some words of wisdom for those in need of hope.
An interview with Gayl Basson
Story 24 We had the chance to interview Gayl Basson from Fallen Angels. She gave us some information about the charity organisation, the challenges they encounter and how they move forward with hope.
An interview with Jessica & Alicia
Story 25 We had the chance to interview the owners of Durbie Cab, Alicia and Jessica. They shared their business challenges with us and how their unique business concept is making a difference to families.
An interview with Bradi Johnston
Story 26 From a young age, Bradi has always been passionate about children and child development. “My mom’s brother has autism, so I’ve always been exposed to the struggles and challenges that a family goes through when you’re living with, and helping someone, who is on the spectrum.”
An interview with Faustina Gardner
Story 27 Faustina Gardner, the Managing Director of Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG) spoke to us about the organisation and how it’s making a difference in South Africa. She also communicated DARG’s challenges, how they overcome them and how people or communities can move forward with hope.
An Interview with Aaniyah Omardien
Story 28 We had the chance to interview Aaniyah Omardien, the founder of The Beach Co-op. She spoke to us about her organisation and how it’s making a difference in South Africa. She also communicated her challenges, how she overcomes them and how passionate communities can move forward with hope.
An interview with Gabriella Agostinelli
Story 29 Gabriella Agostinelli, a graduate doctor shared her challenges as a doctor, how young minds are making a difference and how students can move forward with hope.
An interview with Hedley Lewis
Story 30 Hedley Lewis, the Chief Executive Officer at the Smile Foundation spoke to us about the organisation and how it’s making a difference. He also communicated their challenges, how the Foundation overcomes them and how communities can move forward with hope.
An interview with Tracey Chambers
Story 31 We interviewed Tracey Chambers from GROW with Educare Centres. She gave us some insight into GROW, how it’s is making a difference and how communities can move forward with hope.