Transforming Lives in Tembisa
By Tintswalo Home Based Care Mpho from Phomolong had been using injectable drugs for years. She avoided clinics because of past experiences where staff judged her harshly and refused care.
Teach Lead Mentor Foundation is a youth-driven organisation based in Tlhabane township, Rustenburg in the North West province, and an implementing partner for NACOSA on the Social Employment Fund (SEF) Programme. The SEF is a Presidential Employment Stimulus fund that aims to reduce unemployment. It does this by working with a large number of social and community partners, helping them to run coordinated programmes that reach more people and have a bigger impact across South Africa.
Teach Lead Mentor Foundation was established by three young people who completed their matric in 2018. Like many young people in South Africa, they were still figuring out their next steps when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted opportunities and created uncertainty. Instead of standing still, they chose to act. They joined the Expanded Public Works Programme COVID-19 Youth Brigades Response Programme in Rustenburg, where they worked with communities to raise awareness about COVID-19 prevention. This experience shaped their passion for community work.
The organisation plays an important role in implementing the Social Employment Fund Programme, which focuses on addressing key public health and social challenges, including HIV, TB, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and gender-based violence, while also creating employment opportunities for young people. The organisation is strongly committed to educating people about health, empowering young people, and supporting community development.
“By hosting the Social Employment Fund Programme, Teach Lead Mentor Foundation shows it can lead programmes that make a real difference in communities. At the same time, it is helping reduce unemployment and giving young people the skills and confidence to lead positive change in their communities,” said Kamogelo Masilo from Teach Lead Mentor.
Youth unemployment is still a serious challenge in the North West province, with many young people struggling to access opportunities after completing school. Programmes like SEF are helping to change this by creating pathways for young people to gain work experience, build skills, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Through the SEF Programme, Teach Lead Mentor Foundation has recruited and supported 43 participants who are working in their communities. They act as community change agents, leading health education and awareness on HIV, TB, STIs and GBV. Their work includes hosting community discussions, going door to door, sharing information, and helping people access important health and social services.
Beyond community impact, the programme is also changing the lives of the participants themselves. Through structured support, mentorship, and hands-on experience, they are gaining practical skills in communication, community engagement, and health advocacy. These are skills that will continue to benefit them long after the programme ends.
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