A Community Built on Hope, Unity, and Shared Vision
Umnotho Community began with twelve families who believed they could achieve more together than they ever could alone. In 2011, each family contributed just R150 a month toward a collective dream: owning land and building a secure future.
What started as a small savings group has grown into a powerful community movement. In the early days, the vision started small but the commitment was deep. Twelve families from informal settlements began contributing R150 per month, determined to move beyond unsafe living conditions and claim a better future. Their discipline grew into momentum: by 2015, 650 families had collectively contributed R4.5 million, enough to purchase the community’s first 28 hectares of land.
Today, over 2,500 families are part of Umnotho, collectively owning more than 60 hectares of land in Muldersdrift and steadily building homes, skills, and opportunities.
Our journey proves a simple truth:
When people are empowered with tools, knowledge, and ownership, they can transform their lives and their communities.
Our Mission
To mobilise low- and middle-income families to acquire land, secure affordable housing, and build sustainable livelihoods through community-led development.
Our Vision
To mobilise low- and middle-income families to acquire land, secure affordable housing, and build sustainable livelihoods through community-led development.
Our Values
Empowerment
We equip families to take ownership of their future.
Community-Driven
Every step forward is made together.
Sustainability
We build solutions that last for generations.
Collaboration
We partner widely to create greater impact.
Your support helps us grow these numbers every day.
Strategic Objectives: Vision 2035
Housing
To Build 10 000 Houses
Community Banking
To Achieve a Mutual Bank
Social Enterprises
To Build 5 Shopping Centres
Community Development
To Impact 100 000 people
A Holistic Approach to Community Building
Umnotho is more than a housing initiative. We are a living ecosystem of empowerment, where every programme is designed to reinforce another:
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Access to land and affordable housing
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Community savings and financial literacy
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Skills training and employment pathways
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Local enterprise and economic development
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Food security and social support
Our model is rooted in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) building from the strengths, talents, and resources that already exist within the community.
Our Journey & Milestones
2011
2015
2011
Present
Future
Twelve families begin saving for land
First 28 hectares purchased by 650 contributing families
Skills development expands; over 3,000 people trained
60 hectares of land, 383+ housing opportunities, 12,000 lives impacted
10,000 homes, 5 social enterprise centres, and a community-owned mutual bank
Our Leadership Team
Meet the People Behind the Umnotho Mission
Our leadership team brings together experience in community organising, housing development, financial systems, and youth empowerment. Together, they guide Umnotho’s vision with a commitment to integrity, service, and collective progress.
Bliss Yeni
Communications Manager
Thabo Mokoena
Community Liaison Officer
Leslie Gama
Managing Director
Umnotho Strategic Entities
Umnotho For Empowerment
Umnotho For Empowerment is registered as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO: 070-858)
Umnotho is registered with SARS as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO: 930037146)
Programmes
- Housing
- Community Development
Umnotho Financial Institute
Umnotho Financial Institution is registered with the CIPC (2019/003937/24)
Umnotho was granted a Banking License by the Reserve Bank (CFI0002)
Umnotho is a licensed Credit Provider (NCRCP16973)
Umnotho Leruo Investment
Umnotho Leruo Investment is registered with the CIPC (2020/003656/24)
Social Enterprises
- Filling Station
- Shopping Complex
- Rental Units
Umnotho Community operates with full legal and public benefit status:
• NPO Registration: 070-858
• PBO Number: 930037146
• Accredited Training Provider – Gauteng Department of Social Development
These accreditations strengthen our commitment to transparency, accountability, and community trust.
Registered. Recognised. Trusted.
Umnotho and Sustainable Development Goals
Umnotho is inline with the following Sustainable Development Goals:
No Poverty
Umnotho fights poverty by promoting access to decent housing, skills development, and creating job opportunities.
No Hunger
Umnotho feeds 300 people daily and supports access to food through food gardens.
Clean Water and Sanitation
Our developments prioritize access to clean water and dignified sanitation.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Umnotho promotes decent and affordable housing.
Supporting South Africa’s National Development Plan
The National Development Plan (NDP 2030) calls for active citizen involvement in shaping sustainable, inclusive human settlements.
Chapter 8 specifically states:
“Active citizenship in the field of spatial development will be supported and incentivised.”
Umnotho is a living example of this vision in action, a community that takes responsibility for its own development, building homes, skills, and economic opportunities from the ground up.
We are not waiting for the government.
We are building the future ourselves.
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