This is Reach Out

Emthonjeni, South Africa

What is it?

Emthonjeni means ‘fountain’ from which the community will draw life. It is a Non-governmental organisation which is a project closely linked to the Vineyard Churches in and around Johannesburg, South Africa. Although Emthonjeni is a faith-based NGO, its services can be accessed by anyone in the target communities. Emthonjeni has a passionate commitment to be an agent of change within these communities. The main aims of the organisation are to provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS, families and community at large.

How did it start?

Emthonjeni started after the Pastor of Soweto vineyard lost a family member to the tragedy of AIDS. The church then set out to meet the needs presented by the HIV/AIDS sufferers. The project started out in a cabin in the grounds of a church. A few years later, Alexander Venter, pastor of Valley Vineyard was given some land in Sweetwaters. He had not had a use for it, and gladly donated it to Emthonjeni for them to use.

What does it do?

Home based care

Medical services referrals - doctor

Support groups (psycho-social, spiritual, material, education, prevention)

Voluntary Counselling and Testing for HIV

Micro-income generation skills training

Where is it going?

The clinic opened in November 2006 and already has 200 patients on its lists. There is a huge need, and Emthonjeni is trying to keep up as word spreads of the work that they do. Currently on the agenda – they are trying to improve the quality of meals that they provide and cater for the ever increasing quantity of meals required. Without decent nutrition, the drugs are unlikely to work.

Possibilities for the future: to become a primary care centre, AIDS hospice, youth development program, skills workshops to empower the men of the settlement.

Ultimately, the aim of Emthonjeni is to see God’s kingdom come.

The latest news from Emthonjeni is available here

Matt and Anne Button, 06/06/2007