ABOUT US
OUR VISION
To see thriving and self-sustainable communities where every individual has access to safe housing, financial resources and economic opportunities.
A Community Committed To Its Own Development
​​Umnotho means Wealth and Economy. We believe communities can achieve empowerment by actively participating in the economy and generating their own wealth.
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From 2011 twelve families from the informal settlements of Muldersdrift started contributing R150 per months towards buying land for housing. In 2015 there were 650 families who collectively contributed R4.5 million, which was enough to purchase 28 hectares of land.
The families were inspired by the desire for decent housing. Living conditions in the informal settlements are terrible. Daily people are faced with lack of dignified sanitation and piles of uncollected waste leading to health issues.
Today Umnotho is a community of 2500 families with 60 hectares of land and a capacity to accommodate 3000 housing units.
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OUR MISSION
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To mobilise low- and middle-income communities to acquire land, decent housing and economic assets for wealth generation and sustainable livelihoods.​​
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OUR GUIDING VALUES
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Self-Empowerment
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Community Driven
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Collaboration
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Transparency
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Sustainability
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Ownership​​​​
Our Development Model
Umnotho identifies with the Asset Based Community Development Model (ABCD). Communities have the means and assets to drive their own development.
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
UMNOTHO STRATEGIC ENTITIES
Umnotho For Empowerment
Umnotho For Empowerment is registered as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO: 070-858)
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Umnotho is registered with SARS as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO: 930037146)
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Programmes
- Housing
- Community Development
Umnotho Financial Institute
Umnotho Financial Institution is registered with the CIPC (2019/003937/24)
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Umnotho was granted a Banking License by the Reserve Bank (CFI0002)
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Umnotho is a licensed Credit Provider (NCRCP16973)
Umnotho Leruo Investment
Umnotho Leruo Investment is registered with the CIPC (2020/003656/24)
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Social Enterprises
- Filling Station
- Shopping Complex
- Rental Units
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UMNOTHO AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Umnotho is inline with the following Sustainable Development Goals:
1. No Poverty
2. No Hunger
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
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1. No Poverty
Umnotho fights poverty by promoting access to decent housing, skills development, and creating job opportunities.
2. No Hunger
Umnotho feeds 300 people daily and supports access to food through food gardens.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
Our developments prioritize access to clean water and dignified sanitation.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Umnotho promotes decent and affordable housing.
UMNOTHO AND THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
"Active citizenship in the field of spatial development will be supported and incentivised"
NDP 2030, CHAPTER 8: Transforming Human Settlement
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National Development Plan
The NDP encourages communities to take an active role in creating their own housing solutions. Umnotho is an example of how a community can secure land and drive its own development.
We are not waiting for the government...