Mama Nondo Honored!

A beautiful article about the work of Nondumiso Langa, written by reporter Tshepiso Mametela, appeared in the South African newspaper The Herald on January 11. Mama Nondo has been involved with the work of the Ubomi Obutsha Centre for 25 years, currently as a social work manager. She also recently celebrated her 60th birthday. A group of former participants of the center, children/teenagers before 2010, found this reason enough to honor and praise her role. This led to a beautiful article, readable below in English.

Heroine honored for her role in improving the Kwazakhele community
Beneficiaries laud Nondumiso Langa for 25 years of selfless service

After uplifting Gqeberha communities for 25 years, a heroic Kwazakhele woman’s selfless dedication to shaping the lives of those from disadvantaged backgrounds has drawn high praise.

Nondumiso Langa, who turned 60 on January 1, became a volunteer at the Ubomi Obutsha Centre nonprofit organisation (NPO) in the heart of the bustling township, and has witnessed the success of thousands of beneficiaries, many of whom she mentored.
Langa’s efforts were recognised in December when the NPO presented her with a volunteer service award, just before previous beneficiaries threw her a surprise birthday party on New Year’s Day.

Vuyisile Nkomombini, 37, who attended a life skills programme at Ubomi Obutsha in 2003, said Langa’s influence had changed the trajectory of his path.

In 2006, when the then grade 11 pupil became an orphan, Langa took him under her wing.
‘She recruited me as one of the youth leaders of the life skills programme I attended, later taking on management, executive and board roles [at the NPO],’ Nkomombini said,

‘She pushed me to study further, and that’s when I enrolled in a bachelor of social work course at Nelson Mandela University in 2007, graduating with honours in 2010.’
Now employed as a health and wellness assistant director at the co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) department in Bhisho, Nkomombini doffed his hat to Langa for her guidance.
‘She became a mother to me, playing a pivotal role in my life … and she continues to do exceptional work in the community.’

Ubomi Obutsha – meaning ‘new life’ in isiXhosa – was started in 1998 by American missionaries Don and Judy Bixler as an outreach project. The centre was established as a stand-alone NPO in 2015. It is run by a management team, implementation staff and several volunteers.
More than 300 children a month participate in life skills and education support activities. About 50 ‘high-risk’ families are included in a family-focused support and development programme.

Larry Gandura, 30, also made inroads in his journey after arriving at the centre in 2013. Now a barista of tow years at a corporate company in Newton Park. Gandura applauded Langa for her selflessness. ‘I almost gave up school because I didn’t have a uniform and stationery.
“But sis’ Nondo [Langa] took me in as her child and provided for my education, uniform and stationery. That on its own changed my life” Gandura said.

Thobela Matinise, 33, who arrived at Ubomi Obutsha as a fresh-faced 14-year-old in 2005, echoed similar sentiments. The supervisor at TotalEnergies Deal Party asl described her as a heroine. “I had family issues and had to fend for myself for some time. Her house was my home. She can make even a stranger feel welcome.”

Community worker and fellow volunteer Busisiwe Ntlabathi, 50, said Langa deserved the praise. ‘She is a straight-talking hard worker who loves people, especially children.’ Ntlabathi said.

Ubomi Obutsha director Mark Lawler said: ‘She has been the key contact point within the community, with the project itself built around collaboration between people and outside the community.
Her commitment has made an incredible difference to more youngsters and family units than I can count.’

A soft-spoken Langa said witnessing the social decay in Kwazakhele had spurred her passion for community service. ‘My motivation came from seeing [widespread ] school dropouts, teenage pregnancies and substance abuse by the youth. I then thought to myself: ‘What can I do to save these children?
I knew [then] if I could positively impact the youth, I could transform an entire community. That is when my life’s work began.’