Just Grace is an NGO working in the center of one of the oldest townships in South Africa. Its team is dedicated to bringing about long-lasting and sustainable change.
by Katarzyna Rybarczyk
Socioeconomic Challenges in Langa
The long-term social and economic effects of Apartheid are still felt strongly in Langa. The area, which is home to about 52,000 people, is facing high unemployment rates, poverty, and limited access to high-quality education.
Recent census data illustrates the scale of the problems:
- 40% of individuals aged 20+ have completed Grade 12 or higher.
- 40% of the labour force (aged 15 to 64) is unemployed.
- 72% of households have a monthly income of R3 200 (USD 186) or less.
Additionally, due to a lack of available housing, many households reside in cramped quarters, and informal settlements are widespread. All of this contributes to problems like drug and alcohol abuse, gang-related violence, and a lack of safety in public areas.
Despite this, there is a strong sense of identity and community, and people-centered organizations like Just Grace are committed to involving locals in empowerment programs. Together, they redefine the future of Langa, building a more prosperous community for all.
Just Grace Transforms Langa Through Community-Led Initiatives
Just Grace is a non-profit organisation (NPO) engaging in people-centred, evidence-based community empowerment initiatives that contribute to meaningful and sustainable change in Langa. This mission lies at the core of all its work in Langa. The programmes that the NPO runs are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, confidence, and resources needed to become active participants of the community. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, Just Grace follows a place-based model. This means that all programmes implemented take into consideration the unique challenges and strengths of Langa itself.
The impact of this approach can be seen in the achievements of Just Grace alumni, like Lukhanyo Ntshemba, who joined the Qhubeka! Youth Development Programme programme while at Langa High School. He’s now in his final year of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at Stellenbosch University, and his ultimate goal is to specialise in cardiothoracic surgery after his graduation in December 2025.
“My hard work was driven by the desire to overcome my socioeconomic background and make my mother proud” – Lukhanyo told Just Grace.
Just Grace Creates Pathways to Empowerment
The impact of Just Grace is evident in homes, workplaces, and classrooms throughout Langa. The organization runs several programmes that help people achieve their potential.
The Phakama! Youth Activation Program, for example, is a lifeline for young unemployed or marginalised youth. As part of this programme, youth can attend accounting technician courses, as well as barista and sewing courses that provide them with real-world career pathways. The positive results are evident: 76% of its 439 graduates transitioned into employment, training, or further education.
Education is another cornerstone of Just Grace’s mission. The Qhubeka! Youth Development Programme helps learners from Grades 8 to 12 stay in school and complete matric. Last year alone, 217 young people participated in the programme and benefited from tutoring, psychosocial support, and leadership development. This led to an impressive 93.5% matric pass rate. For many, this success marks the first step toward breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty.
Beyond education support, Just Grace works closely with schools and families to spot learners at risk of dropping out. Through the Phuhlisa! Learner Engagement Programme, learners, parents, and caregivers receive counselling and life-skills guidance to help them stay on track. With limited social work services in the high schools in Langa, Just Grace provides essential psychosocial support through its trained staff.
Support Exceeds Education and Work Skills
Estimates show that one in three women in South Africa will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with intimate partner violence being the most common form. In fact, the rate of women killed by intimate partners in South Africa is five times higher than the global average. This is typically prevalent in communities such as Langa.
This is why Just Grace works not only with learners and families but also supports Langa’s most vulnerable. Empilweni! Victim Empowerment Programme provides gender-based violence and other crime survivors with trauma-informed counselling and home visits. The goal is to help survivors heal, regain a sense of safety, and rebuild their lives with dignity. On top of that, Just Grace runs awareness campaigns and preventative workshops on safety, respect, and accountability.
Look Forward
Every year, Just Grace continues to deepen its impact in Langa. With financial sustainability as a core focus, Just Grace has revenue-generating ventures operating within the NPO. Business ventures such as Cela Coffee and sewing initiatives are thriving, making it possible for social impact to advance in Langa. Thanks to strategic partnerships with government, community leaders, and many service providers, Just Grace can further strengthen the support network for vulnerable groups in Langa.
As Just Grace moves forward, it hopes to build a safer, more prosperous Langa where every individual has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to their community. The collective efforts of donors, volunteers, and the community have made the achievements to date possible. With ongoing dedication, the future holds promise for an even greater change.
About the Author
Katarzyna Rybarczyk writes about humanitarian issues and crises in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.