For Simamkele, success goes beyond career achievements. He is taking bold steps to bring upliftment by tackling some of the social injustices within his community.
Ford South Africa through the Ford Volunteer initiative encourages its employees to engage in volunteer projects as part of its annual month-long community service initiative.
Simamkele in partnership with The AFM Praise and Worship Centre Welfare Committee, has made it their goal to uplift and help those who are less fortunate and in need within the Uitenhage and KwaNobuhle Township. The project assists underprivileged community members with basic necessities such as food, blankets and donated clothing.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born and raised in Mzamba, one of Bizana’s tiniest settlements, in a family of four – my father, my younger brother, and my mother, who passed away while I was in grade 8. I am the firstborn child. I have an advanced diploma degree in human resources management. I have one year of HR-related experience. I started working for FMCSA in February 2022 as a Graduate..
How has your education prepared you for this career in the automotive industry?
My education has given me the abilities I need to excel in my profession, not just the automotive industry. In particular, I believe that I was particularly well-equipped for a smooth transition from the school environment to the work environment.
Tell us about your position and your job.
My goal as a young professional in human resources is to gain experience and training in a highly unionised, fast-paced environment. I am a member of a cross-functional team that includes individuals of all levels and nationalities. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about every facet of human resources thanks to my job. I also have a solid grasp of labour relations.
Are there any exciting projects that you are working on?
I am a member of a community outreach project with a group of young people at my church, primarily geared towards community development in the Eastern Cape.
Give some background of the community outreach project?
The AFM Praise and Worship Centre Welfare Committee was established in 2021 by a group of young members under the guidance of the church’s pastor, A Makaza.
The goal is to help those who are less fortunate and in need in the community, primarily those who live on the streets of KwaNobuhle and Kariega.
We gather clothing and blankets from churchgoers and non-profit organisations working with the Department of social development to achieve the appropriate goal. When we visit them, we first give them the word of God, and then we serve them with food.
We provide this service twice a month (on the first and last Sundays of the month), and in future, we hope to do it every weekend.
Our ultimate objective is to support families who are less fortunate rather than just individuals. To meet the needs of our project, we also hold youth development programmes in which we invite other organizations, such as the Department of Social Development, Lovelife, the Victim Support Centre, East Cape Midlands College, and others.
What is your role in, and how do you support the community outreach project?
As an additional member of the committee, I make contributions whenever we need to, exchange ideas, and ensure that the project’s goal is achieved.
What are the challenges faced by the community outreach project?
Owing to the fact that committee members need to contribute every time we need to reach out to them, I’d say we have financial difficulties and also since they are sleeping in the streets, we are struggling in locating them when it’s raining.
Should we have a tent of our own, a gas stove with four plates, large pots, plastic plates, and spoons so that we may be seen by them even when we cannot see them. If so, the task of purchasing takeout packages and renting a gas stove would be made easier.
What can other members of the community do to assist your committee with this outreach project?
Volunteers are welcome to join us and participate in giving back to the community, serving food parcels and positively mentoring learners and donating school uniforms, sanitary towels and toiletries. Should community members want to donate, they can go to AFM Praise and Worship Centre’s Facebook page and inbox the group admin. Alternatively they can contact Simamkele Banya directly on 078 689 9679 or Siya Betsha on 076 478 4076.
