By Louise | Managing Director
Avuxeni, minjani? Umfekile minjane!
One of the things I love about the work we do is that we are able to lift up and empower even our staff! Now you might think this is a no-brainer but in RSA it is unusual to invest time in skills transfer, and staff development. Because what we as KTD196 do is community development, we have a passion to see people rise and become all they can be. My approach to leadership is very different to the traditional style of autocratic and dictatorial approach which I commonly see in other companies.
When we have a new staff member join us, yes we go through an onboarding process, they receive their job descriptions, but they are also encouraged to think outside of the box and “create” their dream job using their job descriptions as a basis. There are deliverables each month that need to be met, however we encourage out of the box thinking, working together and producing better outcomes by empowering our staff.
Many companies (I think because of Apartheid) give the job description with the added codicil of “Do what I tell you to do, how I tell you to do it, don’t get creative, don’t think you can do it better, just do what you are told.” This is especially true for rural African folk who may or may not have had a job in the past. Creativity, active thinking, problem solving etc are not part of the employment culture, usually.
It is exciting to see the excitement that freedom generates, in most people. Some people who have been employed before under the DO AS I TELL YOU structure, often struggle to adjust but we work with them patiently to break down the past understanding and move forward.
Because of the institutional support from our donors, we have been able to employ new staff, unemployed African women who have grasped our program with both hands. We have staff employed by one program volunteering in the other program, because they LOVE IT. It is so satisfying and encouraging. So with no further delay let me introduce you to Rachel, a lady who joined us earlier this year.
Thank you for supporting us and helping us make a difference in everyone’s lives. It really is special, when ever we have visitors come to see us, one comment that is made is the genuine love and affection the staff have for the work they do, the people they serve and KTD196 as a family.
Blessings
Louise
I'm Rachel, 35 years of age, born and raised in the beautiful Magapeng village in Tzaneen. I'm the fifth child in a big family of nine. I've got a certificate in Ancillary Health Care and Business Management from IQ Academy.
I'm thrilled to be working as a Self-Help Group Community Facilitator for KTD 196, I joined the team in January this year. I currently live in Burgersdorp village and I am a mother of three amazing children.
My goal is to learn, grow, and make a real difference in my community. I'm passionate about helping those in need, boosting others' confidence, and playing a part in growing KTD 196. And I'm working hard on building my own confidence too, so I can share my knowledge and experience with others in the best way possible.
I love the SHG program, I get to help other women like me reclaim their financial futures. I also love KTD196 children’s project, the kids are just amazing, they have so much energy, being apart of KTD196 is life changing. I feel like I make such a difference to people.
Thank you for your support of KTD196.
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