South Africa’s strength lies in the people who quietly hold its communities together,
especially women and young people. Often overlooked or under-supported, they are the foundation on which long-term impact is built.
As traditional donor models face increasing scrutiny and economic pressures grow, there’s an urgent need for sustainable social models, ones that prioritise dignity, participation, and community ownership. Partnerships like the one between Ikamva Labantu and Relate Bracelets offer a glimpse of what this can look like in practice.
Restoring dignity
The partnership with Ikamva Labantu centres on a group of township elders, our Gogos, many of whom are the primary caregivers in their households. In fact, over 42% of South African households are headed by women, often without consistent income or support. Though frequently excluded from formal economic participation, these women remain the emotional and cultural anchors of their communities.
Through beading, Gogos are able to earn vital income while forming bonds, staying active, and contributing meaningfully. For Mary Hoaeane, a 79-year-old from Khayelitsha, this work has become more than just income, it’s created a renewed sense of independence and purpose.
“We uplift one another,” she says simply. That sense of mutual support and connection lies at the heart of the initiative.
What makes the model effective is its structure. The Gogos focus on their craft, while
everything from production and packaging to retail and fundraising is handled through a broader support system. This allows the bracelet to become more than a product, it becomes a vehicle for income, dignity, and change.
Since inception, the collaboration has helped channel over R2 million into Ikamva Labantu’s work and enabled women like Mary to collectively earn more than R8 million. Beyond the figures, the impact is most visible in daily lives and restored confidence.
The next generation of future builders
While elders bring wisdom and stability, the country’s future also depends on creating pathways for young people to thrive. With youth unemployment in South Africa sitting at a staggering 46.1%, meaningful first-job experiences are vital and transformative.
At the Relate’s headquarters, eight young adults are employed to complete, pack, and ship every bracelet. For many, it’s their first exposure to structured work, a chance to build skills, gain confidence, and take ownership of their role in the wider system.
Similarly, Ikamva Labantu’s after-school programmes provide young people with a safe, supportive environment. These spaces offer leadership development, sport and social connection to help young people stay engaged and off the streets during the most vulnerable hours of the day.
Connection over charity
Lasting change doesn’t happen in silos. It grows through collaboration, consistency, and mutual respect. Models like this challenge the narrative of dependency and instead demonstrate the power of dignified participation, where each person, from a 79-year-old beader to a 22-year-old production assistant, plays a meaningful role.
Perhaps most importantly, they remind us that small actions, like the simple act of buying a bracelet can create powerful ripples. This isn’t charity. It s a connection. And it works because people are placed at the centre.
By Dalit Shekel – CEO, Relate Bracelets
