Assumption Development Centre

29/05/2026

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🚨 100 000 NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE |

Looking for an opportunity to serve your community, gain practical experience, and earn a stipend?

The National Youth Service programme is offering young people across all 9 provinces the opportunity to participate in a 6-month programme focused on community service, skills development, and meaningful work experience that can help strengthen future career pathways.

WHO CAN APPLY?
• South African citizen with a valid ID
• Must be between 18 and 35 years old
• Live within the local municipality or community where the programme site is located
• Be able to travel easily to the implementing partners site
• Preference for unemployed youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
• Must be able to contribute positively to the community and complete the programme to a high standard
• Must not have participated in previous phases of the programme
• People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply

HOW TO APPLY
• Go to sayouth.me/NYS. SA Youth is free, no data needed.
• Register on sayouth.mobi - The process will take ±4 mins.
• If you have already registered on SA Youth, just log in using the same log in details.
• Once you have registered, NYS opportunities nearest to the address you provided will appear, enabling you to apply.
• Follow the instructions on the opportunity card and apply.
• No opportunities showing up? You can search for NYS in the search box.

NB: Make sure your is complete before applying.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATES
Closing dates differ by site, with the final application deadline on 1 September 2026.

NEED HELP?
📞 Call 0800 72 72 72 (Toll-free, Mon–Fri | 9:00am–4:30pm)
💬 WhatsApp us 24/7 by saving the number and start the chat with a “Hi”
🏢 Visit any NYDA Centre for registration support






Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
National Youth Development Agency

29/05/2026

We look forward to seeing these ventures grow and inspire even more innovation within our communities.

Food business entrepreneurs given life-changing opportunity

Two entrepreneurs have been given a life-changing opportunity after receiving food trailers from Rhodes Community Engagement (RUCE) and places to operate them on campus.

The initiative forms part of RUCE’s broader economic development strategy under the Masakhe project, which focuses on social innovation and enterprise development. According to RUCE Director Di Hornby, the project was designed to address the university’s need for “living and learning spaces” by creating much-needed, affordable social hubs for students on campus while actively tackling local unemployment.

To ensure the initiative's success, RUCE partnered with the Assumption Development Centre (ADC) to carefully select dedicated entrepreneurs with proven track records and the capacity to run the food trailers. Furthermore, to help these small businesses launch successfully, the university is initially covering operational utilities such as water and electricity.

Anelisa Toni, who will be operating The Golden Plate, in front of the Africa Media Matrix, said she has always wanted to be an entrepreneur and that this programme helped her achieve that.

“I’ve always been interested in cooking. I wanted to start my own business, so this programme helped me do that,” she said.

Before receiving the trailer opportunity, Toni had already been baking and selling biscuits. She said the programme has now allowed her to expand her passion into a fully-fledged business.

Toni recalled how excited she was when she received the news, calling it a dream come true.

For Thandolwethu Nombewu, a woman of many talents — an entrepreneur, musician and community practitioner — this is an opportunity to “express [herself] through food”, as she loves cooking. She said she was beyond excited, as she had "been manifesting" this opportunity.

“I’ve always done catering on a small scale here and there, so this will allow me to grow my business,” she said.

“I’m also happy with the location I’m in, as it’s a student hub. Events are hosted around this area, students also spend time here, and business is picking up,” she added.

Nombewu operates Grey Seeds Hearty Meals from the Steve Biko lawns. Her trailer is up and running and sells hearty meals, including African cuisine that “reminds people of home”, as well as healthy food options for health-conscious customers.

Toni’s The Golden Plate is set to open soon. It promises to be a go-to spot for everything, with coffee available as well.

Various university departments also support these businesses. The Journalism Department is actively supporting The Golden Plate by integrating its shaded outdoor seating area, while staff members are also offering direct support by exploring ways to help advertise products.

Grey Seeds Hearty Meals is being supported by the Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD). Other departments, such as the Rhodes Business School, are assisting by providing vital training to entrepreneurs, including courses covering different aspects of running a business.

As these two small businesses take off, RUCE views them as a pilot project with exciting potential for the future. If The Golden Plate and Grey Seeds Hearty Meals perform well, the university plans to assess their turnover and potentially roll out additional student hubs across campus next year. Anelisa Toni with her food trailer located in front of the Africa Media Matrix. Image: Supplied

25/05/2026

Happy Africa Day ⛰️

22/05/2026

This week, the ADC Counseling Hub intern psychologists hosted an insightful and engaging Career Guidance, Goal Setting, and CV Writing Workshop for our Second Chance Matric students, Class of 2026.

The session equipped students with practical tools to set clear SMART goals, strengthen their study skills, and reflect on their “why's” when choosing institutions. They were also guided on how to craft a standout CV that effectively highlights their strengths and potential.

Students actively participated throughout the workshop, sharing their aspirations and engaging meaningfully with the activities. By the end of the session, many left feeling more confident, focused, and inspired about their future pathways.

A heartfelt thank you to our intern Psychologists and matric students for co-creating such a valuable and impactful learning experience.

14/05/2026

Wind Garden’s partnership with ADC assisting small businesses in Makhanda create jobs, expand opportunities, and build lasting impact, proving that meaningful development starts with people and partnerships.

How a wind farm in the Eastern Cape is doing more than generating electricity

13/05/2026

It was wonderful to see Prof Megan Campbell presenting about the ADC Counselling Hub and its impact on our Makhanda community.

The counselling services are available at the ADC Counselling Hub from 9 am until 4pm. You can contact us on 067 189 5975

13/05/2026

🎊🎊Here is to building meaningful partnerships, growing local economic development through supporting township small businesses in Makhanda.

Big things are growing in Joza

Through our partnership with the Assumption Development Centre, 10 local businesses in Makhanda have benefitted from targeted support including access to funding, equipment and market opportunities.

Together with other funding partners supporting ADC’s programmes, this initiative is contributing to the development of local entrepreneurs and the creation of jobs within the community.

From laundry services to water distribution, these entrepreneurs are building stronger futures for themselves and their communities.

Read more on our website here: https://noagroup.africa/hand-washing-to-hiring/

08/05/2026

A wonderful celebration of community, creativity, and local talent. So inspiring to see people connect, support, and shine together. Here’s to even more meaningful moments ahead! ❤️

International Rhodes University Community Engagement Conference 2026

24/04/2026

A Marathon with Purpose

Driven by a shared purpose and a deep connection to their hometown, this initiative has become a meaningful journey of effort, and lasting impact for the Assumption Development Centre (ADC).

Ahead of the Manchester Marathon on 19 April 2026, Gemma Scholtz and Nicky Allan set out to take on the 42.2km challenge in support of a cause close to their hearts. Describing the journey as both “exciting and slightly daunting,” they committed themselves not only to the physical demands of marathon training, but to raising awareness and funds for meaningful cause.

Both Gemma and Nicky grew up in Makhanda, a place that continues to hold deep personal significance for them. Like many communities across the country, Makhanda faces high levels of unemployment, with youth unemployment exceeding 50%. This reality leaves many young people without clear pathways into work opportunities after completing their schooling. As they highlighted, access to employment is about far more than income, it is fundamental to independence, stability and instill a sense of hope for the future. Expanding access to meaningful work is therefore one of the most powerful ways to alleviate poverty, it enables individuals to support themselves and their families. Ultimately, break cycles of hardship that continue to persist across generations.

Motivated by this, they chose to support the ADC, a grassroots organisation dedicated to breaking cycles of unemployment. Through education, skills development, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support, ADC is creating sustainable pathways for individuals to build better futures.
Taking on the challenge of the Manchester Marathon particularly while training through the long and demanding winter months, was no small undertaking. Yet, for Gemma and Nicky, the effort was made more meaningful by the knowledge that it would directly contribute to a cause that is making a tangible difference in their hometown.

Their campaign resonated widely, with an initial goal of £2,000, they ultimately surpassed expectations, raising £2,330 (over R50 000). This achievement reflects not only their perseverance, but also the strength of a community united in support of positive change.

The funds raised will contribute to ADC’s ongoing work in empowering individuals through education and opportunity, helping to create lasting impact in Makhanda.

This initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when personal commitment is paired with a clear purpose. ADC extends its sincere gratitude to Gemma and Nicky, as well as to every individual who contributed to the campaign. Your support is helping to build pathways to a more sustainable and hopeful future.

The fundraising appeal will be open until the 30th of April 2026. Here is a link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-raise-money-to-break-cycles-of-unemployment-in-sa

20/04/2026

Partner Spotlight: Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
Erasmus Student Network
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Rhodes University
Durham University
Centre for Postgraduate Studies
Deakin UniversityErasmus Student Network
Transparency International Cambodia

🌍 Partner Spotlight: Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC) was founded in 2014 by the Assumption Sisters, together with civil society organisations, in Joza, Makhanda, South Africa.

Created in response to persistent youth unemployment and socio-economic challenges, ADC works closely with local communities to promote education, empowerment and social justice. Its work is rooted in community engagement and a strong commitment to addressing structural inequalities.

We are pleased to spotlight ADC as a partner whose work reflects the transformative potential of community-based initiatives.



Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
Erasmus Student Network
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Assumption Development Centre
Rhodes University
Durham University
Centre for Postgraduate Studies