uMngeni Unemployed Graduates Forum

About Us

The uMngeni Unemployed Graduates Forum (MUGF) was established in 2017 by a group of unemployed graduates from uMgneni Local Municipality. Driven by their own experiences of unemployment and frustration with the lack of government support, these graduates sought to create an organisation that would address the socio-economic challenges facing young people in their communities. The MUGF existence aims to tackle the pressing issue of youth unemployment, particularly among young women, and its associated challenges, including drug abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and rape amongst others.   

MUGF is guided by a clear mission and vision. The organisation’s mission is to respond to multiple needs of young people, which enables them to access new opportunities for employment, income generation, skills development and personal development. The vision is to provide personalised opportunities that empower young people to secure great opportunities to make a living, therefore alleviating unemployment and poverty.

Beyond these foundational partnerships, the organisation also maintains vital collaborations with local government entities and various government departments to ensure comprehensive community engagement and service delivery. These collaborations extend to the uMngeni Local Municipality, the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Social Development. Furthermore, the organisation works closely with numerous local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), leveraging their expertise and community reach.

The organisation is also in partnership with stakeholders like the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and Democracy Development Programme to advocate for policy changes and social transformation. The organisation apart from participating with KZN Legislature and Democracy Development, they also collaborate with uMngeni Local Municipality, SA Police Service, the Department of Justice, the Department of Health, Local NGOs, and Department of Social Development. Notably, through the Masibambisane Project, they successfully launched a Forum comprising all these departments and NGOs, fostering a strong partnership for community development.  

Key Focus Area

The uMngeni Unemployed Graduates Forum focuses on the following key areas:  

• Youth Empowerment: Empowering unemployed graduates and youth with knowledge, skills, and resources to improve their livelihoods.  
• Gender-Based Violence: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) through advocacy, awareness-raising, and support services.  
• Education and Skills Development: Providing access to education, training, and skills development opportunities to enhance employability. These services include but are not limited to online applications, career guidance and digital skills initiatives.  
• HIV/AIDS: Advocating for HIV/AIDS through HIV treatment literacy by educating on the science of HIV and ART, addressing stigma and discrimination while encouraging adherence.  
• Economic Empowerment: Promoting economic empowerment through entrepreneurship development, job creation, and access to resources.  
• Social Cohesion and Community Development: Fostering social cohesion and community development through dialogue, advocacy, and partnerships. 

By focusing on these key areas, MUGF strives to create a brighter future for young people in Mpophomeni and surrounding areas, empowering them to reach their full potential and become active contributors to their communities.  

Impact and Achievements 

Since its inception, the uMngeni Unemployed Graduates Forum has made significant strides in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing young people in uMngeni Local Municipality and surrounding areas. 

Some of the organisation’s notable achievements include:

• Successfully launched the Masibambisane GBV Project, which brought together stakeholders to address GBVF and youth empowerment.
• Established Local stakeholders Committee (LSC) which serves as a vital nexus, uniting local government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and private sector organizations. The LSC’s primary objective is to create a synergistic environment where resources and efforts are pooled, thereby significantly amplifying the collective impact of all involved parties on community well-being and development.
• Provided training and skills development opportunities for hundreds of young people. These programs are meticulously designed to equip participants with practical, relevant skills that enhance their employability and overall life prospects, contributing directly to economic empowerment and poverty reduction.
• Advocated for policy changes and social transformation, contributing to a safer and more equitable society.

Through their work, they have positively impacted the lives of many young people, empowering them to become active citizens and leaders in their communities.