Silulo Foundation And Astron Energy Development Fund Unveil Walk-In Business, Career Centre In Dunoon

Cape Town – Silulo Foundation has launched a new walk-in business and career centre in Dunoon, near Milnerton in Cape Town.

The centre was made possible through the support of the Astron Energy Development Fund (AEDF).

This was a significant milestone in the foundation’s ongoing commitment to creating hope and a path to economic independence for under-resourced communities like Dunoon.  

The centre is part of the foundation’s efforts to help address the pressing challenges of joblessness.

Earlier this month Stats SA revealed that the unemployment rate was 33,5% in the second quarter of 2024.

The largest decreases in employment were observed in the Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.

The foundation seeks to empower communities through programmes focused on entrepreneurship and skills development.

The centre, which was formally opened by Silulo Foundation founder, Luvuyo Rani, and Head of the AEDF, Debbie Parker, on 21 August 2024, will focus on digital skills training and development initiatives for unemployed youth and budding entrepreneurs.

The centre will also provide training for small business owners, allowing them to formalise and grow their businesses. 

Over the three years of the partnership between the Silulo Foundation and the AEDF, the initiative will seek to empower 240 entrepreneurs through the foundation’s 10-month entrepreneurship programme. 

The programme provides training, business support services, mentorship, access to meeting rooms, and workspaces – the tools needed for a successful business. 

Additionally, 600 unemployed youth will be enrolled in a free six-month digital skills training programme.

This programme equips youths with the tools for work readiness and career growth.

Dunoon community leader, Lundi Wulana, said the new centre would serve as a beacon of hope for residents and those living in surrounding areas.

“We have so many young people who are eager and willing but need the resources and investment in terms of training and equipping them with skills to help them become economically active citizens,” Wulana said.

“This centre will go a long way towards empowering people in Dunoon and surrounding areas.” 

The Silulo Foundation was established in 2023 to help bridge the digital divide so that disadvantaged communities and individuals were not left behind by the digital transformation. 

Founder Rani said: “At Silulo Foundation, we believe in the power of community-driven change. 
“That’s why we’re excited about the launch of this business and career centre.

“Through our partnership with AEDF, we’re not just providing resources, we’re building a supportive network where ideas flourish, partnerships form, and dreams become reality. 

“Together, we’re building a brighter future for Dunoon and beyond.” 

The R220 million “Astron Energy Development Fund” was launched in December 2022 to empower small businesses in the value chain and its linked communities such as Dunoon.

Astron operates its crude oil refinery in Milnerton and has a network of over 800 service stations which it is in the process of rebranding from Caltex to Astron Energy. 

Head of the AEDF Parker said: “The AEDF is committed to bringing about sustainable, visible change and prosperity for small businesses in the Astron Energy value chain and the communities surrounding our operation”. 

Parker added: “By partnering with the Silulo Foundation, we aim to support the foundation’s commitment to drive positive community change and create opportunities for individuals and businesses. 

“This is in line with our purpose of securing our future, together.”