The Townships Project
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The Townships Project

A Canadian Charity Building Better Businesses in
South African Townships

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Our Mission

The Townships Project is a Canadian charity overcoming poverty by promoting small-scale businesses with the aim of economic and social upliftment in South African townships.

 

Our Mission
Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.  It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.  While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.”

Nelson Mandela -

Our Work in South Africa

1

Early Childhood Development (ECD)

ECD is foundational to building healthy communities. We have been training ECD business owners in how to run sustainable businesses since 2019, which benefits the mostly female business owners as well as ensuring that client children and their parents are not left without care due to ECD business failure.

2

Building Better Businesses

Helping women and youth entrepreneurs in townships and rural areas to build business skills is the heart of our mission. Since 2023 we are doing this with Kagiso Hub in Krugersdorp, south of Johannesburg, and Kgabo Cars in Soshunguve Township north of Pretoria.

3

Accredited Trade Skills Training

The Townships Project actively promotes government-accredited trade skills training for townships entrepreneurs. We fund at least one program of this kind each year for learning-challenged youth and women who would otherwise be excluded. A glowing example of this is Dr. Isaac Bashomane’s mechanics program at Kgabo Cars.

Testimonials

Participants in our programs have praise for our work…

“It felt like I’d received my phone as a new gift when I learned all the details of how to grow my business with my cellphone.”

Nokwanda MchunuNokwanda Mchunu

“Social media… this is a tool we need to have and utilize for marketing…engaging with customers. A customer found me on Facebook!”

Kerileng SibisiKerileng Sibisi

“I really appreciated getting holistic resources and advice.”

Sharri CannellSharri Cannell

Recent Updates

Celebrating a Century of Service:  The United Church of Canada

June 2, 2025

Celebrating a Century of Service: The United Church of Canada

A personal reflection on the 100th anniversary of The United Church of Canada, highlighting its signifcant influence on the formation and development of The Townships Project.

» Read Celebratin...

2025 Kagiso Hub Symposium

March 19, 2025

2025 Kagiso Hub Symposium

Martha Deacon attended a one-day Symposium in South Africa to meet with many of our partners and program participants as they shared their progress and achievements with each other.

» Read 2025 Kagis...

2024 Annual Giving Letter

November 25, 2024

2024 Annual Giving Letter

Please download and read our 2024 Annual Giving Letter. With your support, we will continue to work on overcoming poverty in South Africa’s Townships.

» Read 2024 Annua...

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  • The Townships Project was founded in 1998 to help overcome poverty in South African townships by encouraging and developing entrepreneurship.
  • 69 Upper Prince Street, Charlottetown, PE Canada 69 Upper Prince Street, Charlottetown, PE Canada
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