Johnson Qwabe

Johnson Qwabe 

Chairman

I am thrilled to be the Chairperson of Thembalethu Nkomazi. Development work is always extremely challenging, yet despite COVID-19, we continue to deliver both measurable and intangible benefits to the Nkomazi community. For example, I am encouraged to follow the progress of many young people attending the GOLD program who overcome poverty and difficult circumstances to become leaders and positively affect their peers. Nutrition in the villages has improved through our seedling program as hundreds of families have been able to grow their own vegetables with some selling their surplus to achieve an income. We continue to care for vulnerable children, to support many who need home-based care, and we work with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to assist in the fight against discrimination of migrants.
My career has equipped me well for the role as Chairperson. I believe in excellence and place a high value in creating brilliant, dynamic, high paced work environments, and am convinced these qualities are fostered during one’s youth, so I am enthusiastic about working to generate positive infra-structure for our young people and for years I have raised funding for vulnerable learners. In 2011, I negotiated funds to improve the IT infra-structure in 70% of Nkomazi schools and continue to work closely with high schools to improve their education delivery. 
For example, as Chairperson of the Student Governing Body of Lugebutha High School in Schoemansdal, we recently achieved significant improvements. Each year , we acknowledge the top ten learning achievers in each grade by holding special functions for them. This has created a positive spirit of competition among the students which has raised the grades of the school to become one of the top three best performing schools in the District.
I achieved this through bringing in developments to the infrastructure: 12 extra classrooms, a new fence around the school, 26 waterless toilets, and installation of cameras around the school that has reduced vandalism, fights and latecomers. Additionally, no more drugs are being used in the school and cell phones are no longer apparent, resulting in students performing better in the classes. There is no hall at the school, so we are planning to build one next year. 
I was born (1972) and raised in Magogeni Village, Nkomazi. After attending and passing my Matric examinations (grade 12) at Lugebhuta High School, I qualified as a teacher from Ngwenya College of Education and taught for a year at Schoemansdal Higher Primary School. I was employed by Score Supermarket as the chief cashier, then started my career in the Financial Sector when I moved to Bestmed Medical Aid as the production manager from 2000 to 2007. In 2005, I was the top producing broker. I trained as a Personal Financial Advisor and worked for Old Mutual insurance company (2007 -2010), where I managed a team of brokers and always achieved my sales targets. My work included the recruitment of new clients and mentoring existing clients. During this time, I gained extensive experience and wisdom in working with a broad variety of people.  
Thembalethu Nkomazi has been a major change agent in the region. This is due to the dedication and commitment of an excellent team. I honour them for their hard work. Through the years, Thembalethu has worked with donors from South Africa and many countries abroad. I would like to thank every person for their contribution, whether small or large, as I assure you that our services have improved many lives in our Nkomazi and even in Mozambique. 
I look forward to continuing to deliver, with you, the much needed support to the most vulnerable households in the Nkomazi Region. 

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