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ABOUT HELP ONE HELPER NPC

We support domestic workers through education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and income-generating opportunities

WHAT WE DO

– Identify domestic workers with untapped skills or those who wish to acquire formal qualifications

– Provide guidance and support by sharing relevant information related to skills development and qualification pathways.

– Engage with accredited skills development institutions and tertiary institutions on behalf of domestic workers

– Manage and monitor the entire process to ensure successful course completion

Help One Helper was established and is governed by the following directors:

Ntombizodwa Merriam Mahlangu

– Founder & Director

Ntombizodwa Merriam Mahlangu grew up on a farm in Tonteldoos, where she matriculates. She is a former domestic worker, graduate, and author of Brightness of Diamonds through Soil. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human and Social Studies the University of South Africa (UNISA), and a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management with the Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA). Ntombizodwa used domestic work as a stepping stone to access education and transform her life. With lived experience in the sector she now advocates for, she is committed to empowering other domestic workers to unlock their skills through education and improve their lives.

Ntombizodwa is currently employed as an Assistant Director in the public sector, where she is responsible for managing various projects.

“… Brightness of Diamonds through Soil…”

Cynthia Gouws

– Director

​Cynthia Gouws grew up in the Karoo and matriculated in Graaff-Reinet. At the age of 18, she moved to Pretoria, where she began her professional career at the Master of the High Court. She was awarded a bursary by the Department of Justice, which enables her to pursue her studies. She holds a B Juris degree, an LLB degree, a Diploma in Insolvency Law, and a Diploma in Accounting. Cynthia is currently employed as a curator at one of the biggest organisations in South Africa, and brings extensive legal, administrative, and governance experience to the organisation.

Leah Mthombeni

– Director

Leah Mthombeni was born in Dindela, Limpopo. She worked as a domestic worker from 1990 to 2005, after which she left the sector due to health challenges associated with the nature of the work. She began working as a Security Officer in 2006. She later enrolled at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she studied towards a qualification in Social Work. She graduated in 2018 at the age of 48. Leah is a qualified social worker with lived experience in domestic worker. She is still employed as a security officer and is deeply committed to social development and community empowerment.

“Our existence is mainly to empower helpers to reach their potential”