Lusa Community Chest

04/09/2026

What a week it was for the Abigails in Edenpark!

It was a week filled with learning, growth, new experiences and exciting new beginnings as our Abigails continued their journey towards becoming confident and capable entrepreneurs.
The week kicked off with an important focus on financial management. Understanding how to manage finances responsibly is an essential skill, both personally and professionally. The Abigails had the opportunity to explore the importance of budgeting, planning, accountability and making sound financial decisions.
From there, the focus shifted to procurement — giving the Abigails valuable insight into the processes involved in obtaining goods and services responsibly, efficiently and transparently. These are practical skills that will play an important role in their development over the coming months.
But perhaps one of the most exciting highlights of the week was meeting their mentors for the first time.
Over the next 22 months, these mentors will walk alongside the Abigails, sharing knowledge, guidance, experience and encouragement. Mentorship is about more than simply giving advice; it is about building relationships, asking questions, learning from experience and having someone in your corner as you navigate new challenges.
The first meetings were filled with excitement, anticipation and the beginning of relationships that we hope will make a lasting difference.
The journey has only just begun, but what a way to start!
Here’s to 22 months of learning, growing, discovering, leading and making a difference. We are incredibly proud of our Abigails and excited to see where this journey takes them.

28/08/2026

21/08/2026

Black Woman in Business: Abigail Enterprise Incubator Empowers 120 Women Entrepreneurs

The Black Woman in Business – Abigail Enterprise Incubator Programme has officially begun its training journey, with 120 women entrepreneurs from Edenpark, the Vaal Triangle, Meyerton and Sasolburg embarking on an intensive 24-month business development programme.

The programme is designed to equip women with the knowledge, skills, confidence and support needed to start, strengthen and grow sustainable businesses.

The first five months of the programme consist of face-to-face training, followed by 18 months of mentoring, business coaching, evaluation and practical marketing challenges. This extended support model is aimed at ensuring that participants do not simply receive training, but are supported as they apply what they have learned in their businesses.

A Powerful First Week of Training

The women from Edenpark and Meyerton have already completed their first week of face-to-face training, tackling important topics that address both the personal and practical challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

The first week covered:

The Three Paradoxes Affecting Small Business Entrepreneurs
Money Trauma and the Entrepreneur
Costing and Quality
SWOT Analysis
Strategic Planning

These topics are designed to challenge participants to look beyond simply running a business and to understand the mindset, financial decisions, strategic thinking and business practices required to build a sustainable enterprise.

The programme recognises that entrepreneurship is about more than having a good business idea. Entrepreneurs must understand their relationship with money, know their costs, maintain quality, identify their strengths and weaknesses, understand their market and develop clear strategies for the future.

Beyond the Vaal Triangle

Lusa is also expanding its vision to reach more women entrepreneurs across South Africa.

Plans are currently underway for a new training programme in Alexandra, aimed at women between the ages of 18 and 40 who want to start their own businesses.

In addition, Lusa is planning a nine-week online enterprise training programme that will allow women from different parts of South Africa to participate without needing to attend face-to-face sessions.

These programmes will create opportunities for women who have an entrepreneurial dream but may not have access to traditional business development programmes in their communities.

Building Businesses That Can Last

The Abigail Enterprise Incubator is built around the belief that women entrepreneurs need more than once-off training. They need ongoing support, mentorship, coaching, accountability and opportunities to test and apply what they have learned.

Through the 24-month journey, participants will have access to structured development opportunities designed to help them move from ideas and informal businesses towards stronger, more sustainable enterprises.

The programme is subsidised by the Leipoldt Bachman Foundation, making this valuable business development opportunity more accessible to women who may otherwise not be able to afford such extensive training and support.

For Lusa, the goal is clear: to invest in women, strengthen small businesses and create opportunities for economic growth within communities.

The 120 Abigail participants have now taken their first step. The next 24 months will be a journey of learning, growth, challenges and transformation as these women work towards building businesses that can create income, employment and lasting impact.

19/08/2026

Lusa Community Chest, with the generous support of Safripol, continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable families through its Emergency Relief Food Parcel Programme.

The food parcels are specifically provided to families facing severe hardship and emergency situations, including households affected by devastating shack fires. In times when families suddenly find themselves without basic necessities, this support provides much-needed relief and dignity.

Rozet Kgomonngoe from Protem is one of the many beneficiaries who has received assistance through the programme. For families like Rozet’s, an emergency food parcel can make an immediate and practical difference during a very difficult time.

Lusa is grateful to Safripol for making this assistance possible and for partnering with us to reach communities when they need help the most.

Together, we provide more than food — we provide hope, dignity and a helping hand when it matters most.

19/08/2026

Lusa at the Annual Meals on Wheels Race

Lusa Community Chest was proud to once again play a part in the Annual Meals on Wheels Race, held at Sedaven, Heidelberg, where the Lusa team manned one of the waterpoints along the route.

Our volunteers helped keep runners refreshed and encouraged as they made their way through the race. Being part of events like these allows Lusa to support the community while contributing to an event that brings people together through sport, health and a shared commitment to making a difference.

This year’s race was especially significant as it also served as a qualifying race for the 9.47 Race, adding an exciting competitive element for participants aiming to qualify for this prestigious event.

The race is presented by Spectrum Sport, with Lusa Community Chest proudly being one of the beneficiaries. Through this partnership, participation in the race helps contribute towards meaningful community development initiatives and programmes that make a difference in the lives of people and communities.

Lusa would like to thank Spectrum Sport, Meals on Wheels, the organisers, volunteers, runners and everyone involved for making the event a success.

Together, through sport and community partnership, we can make a difference — one step, one runner and one community at a time.

16/08/2026

How We Work

Identify Needs: Through local partnerships, community surveys, and direct outreach.

Mobilise Resources: Engaging businesses, individuals, and government support.

Implement Projects: With transparency, accountability, and community involvement.

Monitor & Evaluate: Ensuring resources are used effectively and making adjustments to improve impact.

Get Involved

LUSA’s success depends on the generosity and commitment of people like you.

You can:
Donate: Financial support or in-kind contributions.
Partner: Join us as a corporate or organisational sponsor.
Advocate: Help spread the word and raise awareness about our projects.

Contact Us
📧 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
📞 Phone: (016) 976-2064

09/08/2026

The Woman Behind the Work

A Tribute to the Woman Who Helps Make Lusa What It Is

There are people who walk into an office every day simply to do a job.

And then there are people who walk through those doors carrying something far greater — commitment, strength, compassion, loyalty and heart.

Today, we honour all of these women.

She may be sitting behind a desk, answering questions, dealing with administration, helping people, solving problems or simply making sure that things get done. To some, these may seem like ordinary tasks.

But we know better.

Because behind every completed task is a woman who cares.

Behind every person who receives assistance is a woman who made it possible.

Behind every successful programme, every organised activity and every person who walks away feeling supported, there is often someone quietly working in the background — making sure the pieces come together.

That is the woman we honour today.

She represents something that cannot be measured on a spreadsheet.

She represents dependability.

She represents perseverance.

She represents the quiet strength of a woman who continues to show up, even when the work is difficult, the days are long and nobody is watching.

At Lusa, we speak about community development, empowerment and changing lives.

But those words only become meaningful because there are people who live them.

And she is one of those people.

She contributes not only with her hands and her skills, but with her presence.

She brings a human face to the work.

She reminds us that an organisation is not built only on programmes, policies and plans.

It is built on people.

People who care.

People who serve.

People who believe that what they do matters.

And sometimes, the people who deserve the greatest recognition are not necessarily the loudest people in the room.

They are the ones who quietly keep things moving.

The ones who notice what needs to be done.

The ones who help when nobody asks.

The ones who carry responsibility without needing applause.

The ones whose contribution can easily be overlooked because they make difficult things look effortless.

Today, we refuse to overlook her.

Today, we say:

We see you.

We see the work you do.

We see the sacrifices you make.

We see the patience you show.

We see the people you help.

We see the difference you make.

And most importantly, we appreciate you.

Your contribution is more than a position on an organisational structure.

You are part of the story.

You are part of the people who help turn vision into reality.

You are part of the reason someone gets an opportunity.

Part of the reason someone receives assistance.

Part of the reason a programme succeeds.

Part of the reason a person feels that somebody cares.

And that is something worth honouring.

To the woman in our office at Lusa…

Never underestimate the value of what you do.

The work you perform may sometimes feel ordinary, but its impact can be extraordinary.

Your name may not appear on every achievement.

Your face may not be in every photograph.

Your contribution may not always receive applause.

But your fingerprints are on many of the things we accomplish.

And for that, we say:

Thank you.

Thank you for your dedication.

Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for your strength.

Thank you for your commitment.

Thank you for being part of the Lusa family.

And thank you for reminding us that great organisations are built by ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things every day.

May you always know that your work matters.

May you always know that you matter.

And may you never forget that somewhere along the journey of Lusa, your contribution became part of something much bigger than yourself.

You became part of the difference we make.

Today, we honour you.

Not simply because of what you do.

But because of who you are.

A woman of strength.
A woman of commitment.
A woman of value.
A woman who serves.
A woman who makes a difference.

Thank you for being you.

05/08/2026

Basic Computer Training– Topsy Foundation

The Basic Computer Training programme was successfully completed, equipping Topsy Foundation students with essential digital literacy and computer skills required for education, employment, and everyday life.

During the training, students received both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical experience in the following areas:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheets)
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Email communication
• Internet browsing and online research

Practical Tasks Completed

Students successfully completed the following practical activities:

Microsoft Word: Created and formatted professional documents, inserted tables and images, adjusted page layouts, and saved and printed documents.

Microsoft Excel: Created spreadsheets, entered and formatted data, performed basic calculations using formulas (SUM and AVERAGE), and generated simple charts.

Microsoft PowerPoint: Designed and presented professional slide presentations using themes, images, transitions, and animations.

Email: Created email accounts (where applicable), composed and sent emails, attached documents, replied to messages, and practiced professional email etiquette.

Internet: Conducted online searches, accessed educational resources, downloaded documents safely, and learned basic internet safety and responsible online behaviour.

The training was a great success, with students demonstrating confidence and competence in using essential Microsoft Office applications and internet tools. Through practical exercises, participants gained valuable digital skills that will enhance their academic performance, improve employability, and prepare them for the modern workplace.

Topsy Foundation is commended for investing in the digital empowerment of its students and creating opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development.

05/08/2026

23/07/2026

Grade 12 Learners at Afrikaans High School Empowered Through "The Regulated Learner" Programme

In preparation for the demands of their final school year and life beyond the classroom, Grade 12 learners at Afrikaans High School, Sasolburg, recently participated in The Regulated Learner, an engaging and thought-provoking presentation facilitated by Coach Alwyn Burger, a Professional Certified Neuro Life Coach, Community Development Practitioner and founder of the Regulated Learner and Regulated Teacher programmes.

The 90-minute presentation introduced learners to the science behind the brain, emotions and the nervous system, helping them understand why people react differently under stress and, more importantly, how they can learn to regulate their emotions and make better decisions.

With Grade 12 often being one of the most demanding years in a learner's life, the programme provided practical tools to help learners manage academic pressure, anxiety, conflict, disappointment and uncertainty. Rather than reacting impulsively, learners were encouraged to develop the ability to pause, think clearly and respond with confidence and maturity.

Coach Burger explained that success at school is about far more than academic knowledge.

"When learners understand how their brains and nervous systems respond to pressure, they become better equipped to handle examinations, relationships, setbacks and life's challenges. Emotional regulation is one of the most important life skills a young person can develop."

Throughout the presentation, learners explored topics including emotional regulation, stress responses, personal responsibility, resilience, self-awareness and leadership. They also learned simple evidence-informed techniques such as grounding exercises, controlled breathing and practical strategies to regain focus during stressful situations.

The programme aims to enhance learners by developing:
*Emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
*Resilience during examinations and stressful situations.
*Better decision-making and problem-solving.
*Self-control and emotional regulation.
*Leadership and personal responsibility.
*Healthy relationships and conflict management.
*Improved concentration and learning readiness.
*Mental wellbeing and confidence.

An important feature of The Regulated Learner is that it has been designed to complement the Regulated Teacher programme. By equipping both educators and learners with the same understanding of emotional regulation and neuroscience-informed practices, schools can create safer, calmer and more effective learning environments where both teaching and learning flourish.

As schools continue to recognise the importance of learner wellbeing alongside academic achievement, programmes such as The Regulated Learner provide valuable support in preparing young people for the challenges of the modern world.