A day in the life of...

On a typical morning Mhlangabezi will get up and ready for work after helping to feed the young children that stays in his home.

Mshlangabezi joined the OLIVE LEAF Foundation in 2005.

Mlangabezi together with his Mother, two Sisters, 3 Brothers and 2 Nephews and niece lives in Khayelitsha a township near Cape Town. An estimated 700 000 people live in Khayelitsha that has large informal settlements.

Most residents in Khayelitsha make use of minibus taxi services or travel by train or foot to get to work. The community of Khayelitsha has a 32% HIV prevalence and 80 % unemployment rate.

The Abalingani team works with men and women in the community to address gender equality. Regular reports are written to inform Funders and Management on progress made.

Abalingani Field Workers conduct Workshops to engage men in the struggle against HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and cross-generational sex. This workshop is in a local Shebeen.

An Isichatamiya (traditional Xhosa male choir)  that Mshlangabezi belongs to also completed the Men as Partners workshop. As mentors to the youth they started an after-school Kids Club where children can come to learn life skills, have some fun and have something to eat.

The average day of a Field worker sees him go to Schools, Community halls, Shebeens and other venues to engage with the community and to facilitate dialogue or training to promote gender equality.

The Isichatamiya named Khayelitsha Mambazo perform daily at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town where many visitors and tourists enjoy their music. The OLIVE LEAF Foundationassists men in establishing sustainable livelihoods such as these choirs.

Field workers are the back-bone of the OLIVE LEAF Foundation, their dedication and commitment has served many thousands of South Africans.