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Technology

Philani Community Development Centre Gives Hope to the Disadvantages Youth of Zuurbekom – Thabo Motlhabi

By: Thabo Motlhabi On Friday, 03 September 2025, Philani Community Development Centre hosted an inspiring Awards Ceremony for its graduates in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The event took place at Zuurbekom Community Hall, drawing a large crowd of proud parents and community members to celebrate the achievements of the youth who participated in the community programs. Since its inception, Philani Community Development Centre has been a beacon of hope for the youth of Zuurbekom. As a Non-profit organisation, it offers free training in a range of skills including: Agriculture, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Literacy, and Baking. These courses aims to equip the unemployed young people with valuable skills, preparing them for success in the marketplace. The centre boasts of 18 well equipped classrooms, designed to foster learning and growth. The founder of the Centre Mr. Phyllis Malope, an experienced educationalist, spoke passionately about the mission of the centre: “We encouraged the Youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds to seize these opportunities. Once they complete their studies, we assist them in forming cooperatives and applying for funding to start their own businesses. Many of our graduates have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs“. The centre was established in response to several pressing issues faced by the community, including poverty, high crime, alcoholism, rape, school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and the lack of youth facilities, and sports grounds. Philani initiative has significantly contributed to turning around the lives of many young people in the area, offering them new hope and opportunities. A 19- year- old beneficiary Mr. Karabo Moremi said, ” On my first day, I was shocked to find out everything was free. I didn’t know what to expect, but I took as many courses as I could and completed all of them. Today, I’m working, and my parents are proud of me. This opportunity was the beginning of a new path, one I never expected but is fully embracing.” The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduates and their families, it was a day of immense pride, as their hard work was recognised and celebrated. The graduates walked onto the stage, proudly receiving their certificates in various fields, surrounded by the cheers and support of the community. The success of Philani Community Development Centre shows that with the right support, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities. The centre continues to offer opportunities that empower young people, setting them on a path to success and self-reliance.

Technology

Wired for Hope

Philipstown’s youth drive their own future in new documentary. In the heart of South Africa’s Karoo region, a vibrant tradition of ingenuity and resilience is driving a struggling town towards a new future. The story of Philipstown and its unique draadkar (wire car) racing culture is now being shared on a global stage in the new feature documentary, The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix, launching during October. The film chronicles the small town’s incredible journey of hope and serves as the cornerstone of a multifaceted initiative to create sustainable change. Spearheaded by the newly established Philipstown WireCar Foundation , the foundation aims to channel global attention from the film into tangible support, with all proceeds funding vital upliftment programmes for the community’s youth. Alistair King, Vice Chair of the Philipstown WireCar Foundation, says the film shines a global spotlight on the town’s annual wire car race – an event that, for over 14-years has been a tiny beacon of hope for local youth. “It follows a group of young racers as they pour their hearts and imagination into building intricate cars from scrap wire, bottle caps and soft drink cans, preparing to compete in the only race of its kind in the world. More than just a competition, the race is a testament to their spirit, a source of pride, and a powerful metaphor for turning discarded materials into things of beauty and purpose.” A tradition born from necessity The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix was born over a decade ago out of a desire to create something positive in a town grappling with unemployment and a sense of despondency. Kay Fourie, a co-founder of the original event and now Chairperson of the Philipstown WireCar Foundation, saw the inherent creativity in the wire cars the children were already making. A future in the making The launch of the documentary coincides with the official launch of the Philipstown WireCar Foundation. The foundation is the heart of the entire initiative, ensuring that the project’s impact is lasting and meaningful. It has purchased a modest building in the town, which it is renovating to become a community hub and e-learning centre. The race goes interactive – a game and e-commerce store on the horizon To further engage a global audience and create ongoing revenue streams for the foundation, the project will soon expand into the digital and retail worlds. Coming soon, the WGP Mobile Game, is a digital recreation of the real-life WireCar Grand Prix. Players worldwide will be able to experience the thrill of racing a wire car through a digitally twinned Philipstown, competing against its local champions. The game will be free to play, with optional in-app purchases, like unique car customisations, with all proceeds going directly to the foundation’s programmes. Furthermore, an e-commerce platform will launch, offering authentic, handcrafted wire cars made by artisans in Philipstown, merchandise and other local art. This will create a direct economic engine for the community, allowing people to own a unique piece of African artistry while supporting the town’s revival. Through a powerful documentary, an innovative game, and a dedicated foundation, the Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix is more than just a race. It is a story of how a small town’s tradition, fuelled by imagination and supported by a global community, can drive real and lasting change. Watch the trailer for the Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix here: Follow the conversation on: Website: Philipstown Wirecar Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philipstownwirecar/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipstownwirecar