Ethembeni (Place of Hope) Community Centre

About Us

Ethembeni (Place of Hope) Community Centre is a community-based non-profit organisation that started operating in the year 2002 (officially registered 2004) and is based in De Aar under the Emthanjeni Local Municipality within the Northern Cape. The organisation’s mission is to raise awareness and run prevention programmes on Gender Base Violence (GBV). Ethembeni provides shelter and offers court support services for victims of domestic violence and GBV. This support aims to ensure that victims feel empowered and supported, helping them attend court dates and navigate the legal process without the risk of missing critical proceedings or losing their cases due to a lack of resources. 

Ethembeni is committed to fostering community development through a comprehensive approach that addresses the social, economic, and educational needs of the communities they serve. The organisation aims to promote human rights, justice, and accountability within marginalised communities, focusing on areas that empower individuals and support sustainable growth.

Key Focus Area

• Community Empowerment: Ethembeni works to build the capacity of local communities, enabling them to advocate for their rights and secure sustainable livelihoods.
• Human Rights: The organisation upholds the principles of justice and equality, supporting vulnerable groups in accessing legal resources and advocating for their rights.
• Youth Development: Ethembeni offers programmes that focus on empowering the younger generation with the tools and knowledge to become leaders in their communities.

Impact and Achievements 

• Ethembeni has successfully implemented community outreach programmes that reached over 5,000 individuals in rural areas within the Emthanjeni Local Municipality, providing access to legal aid and educational resources.
• The organisation has facilitated the construction of multiple community centres and has assisted in establishing local economic development projects that have improved the livelihoods of hundreds of families.