By Nangamso Mabindla
23 July 2004

WHEN Johnson Nqavela noticed rising unemployment in his township of Scenery Park, he decided to start a welding company to put food on the table.

In doing so, he has also helped the neighbourhood's youngsters to build a better future.

In 2000 Nqavela, who is deaf, used skills acquired at the Efata School for the Deaf to build wrought-iron gates for local people. He and his companions formed Ubuntu Creative Welding - a company neighbours took to heart and used whenever they needed welding.

"My friends and I figured we could use our skills not only to provide for our families but also to assist unemployed youth here in our poor township," Nqavela says through a sign-language interpreter.

The company started with three people but now employs 12 people: six full-time and six temporary workers.

"When the young boys are on holiday, I invite them to work with us. It keeps them from being bored and resorting to crime. I teach them a lot about the work we are doing so that they can, in turn, teach others."

Since opening its doors, Ubuntu has expanded its work beyond wrought-iron gates: now it installs electric gates and security systems - including intercoms, closed-circuit TVs and surveillance cameras.

Ubuntu also now serves the whole of East London - from Amalinda to Mdantsane.

"We also have clients in Tsholomnqa, Butterworth and Umtata in the Transkei. We're looking to open branches in those areas too," says Nqavela.

However, before he thinks about crossing the Kei River, Nqavela's short-term goal is to extend his workshop in Scenery Park.

Nceba Sandi, one of the young locals trained by Nqavela, says he is happy to be working with such experienced people. "I always wanted to join them in this business. When I joined them I knew nothing about the job, but with training I can now do almost anything," he says.

"We work in a humble workshop but the fact that we're doing a good job keeps us going. We would like to go big but we need to go about it one step at a time," Sandi says.

For more information about the company phone 073 204 2365 or 083 478 3674.