— Our Introductions

Partners & Donors

Our partners and donors make change possible. By joining forces with Built Africa, they help empower youth and women, expand our reach, and create lasting impact in disadvantaged communities. Together, we turn opportunities into real, sustainable results.

Our Programmes

Built Africa is a Skills Development Centre offering free programs for unemployed youth and women (18–35) from disadvantaged communities.We equip participants with soft skills, business and digital skills, and technical training including forklift operation, learner’s license, data capturing, and security certification (Grades A–E).

Our programs also provide advice, guidance, psychosocial support, social mobilization through HIV and GBV prevention (SASA! model), health services such as COVID-19, TB, and STI screenings, Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision, HIV counseling and testing, and linkage to care—all leading to meaningful job opportunities.

• Learn More

— Sharing The Success

Success Stories

Since its inception in 2016 and registration in 2017, Built Africa has shared information, provided guidance, and referred numerous young people across Derdepoort, Lindo Park, Ekklesia, Jan Niemand Park, East Lynne, Eersterust, Mamelodi, and surrounding areas of Pretoria. Every life we touch tells a story of growth, resilience, and transformation.Through our programmes, youth and women from disadvantaged communities gain skills, confidence, and opportunities that turn challenges into achievements, inspiring others and demonstrating what’s possible when support meets potential.

• Learn More

---

— In Action

Moments & Memories

Explore our gallery to see the journey of Built Africa in action. From individual achievements and certificates to events and milestones, these photos capture the growth, dedication, and successes of the youth and women we empower. Every image tells a story of progress, celebration, and the impact of our programmes over time.

• View Full Gallery

About Us

Built Africa was founded by Ms. Gertze and co-founded by Mr. Bongo in 2016. It was officially registered with the Department of Social Development (DSD) on 22 March 2017 under registration number 187-542 as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), and later registered as Community Based Services (CBS) on 19 August 2022.The name Built Africa comes from the word “built,” meaning sturdy and strong. Our mission is to build resilient communities through preventative, life, and skills development programmes that empower youth and women. We are also dedicated to reducing unemployment and dependency on social grants by connecting people to government resources and external stakeholder opportunities that can support long-term growth and independence.

Built Africa is a walk-in multipurpose Centre that focuses on equipping unemployed youth and women within region 5 (East Lynne, Jan Niemand Park, Derdepoort, Lindo Park, Ekklesia, Kameeldrift, Refilwe Cullinun and Region 6 (Eersterust, Silverton, Watloo, Nelmaphius, Mamelodi and surrounding areas of Pretoria.In three years, Built Africa has managed to establish a satellite office in Eersterust/ Pretoria, where we expanded our services to accommodate more beneficiaries into our Skills Development Programs.

About Us

We are committed to building stronger, healthier communities by focusing on the empowerment of youth and women. Our approach goes beyond providing opportunities — we create safe spaces for growth, equip people with relevant skills, and nurture the kind of resilience that leads to lasting independence.We believe that when individuals are supported holistically, they not only improve their own lives but also uplift their families and communities.We do this by:

Programmes

Advice & Referral Desk

Social Programes

HIV Testing & Counselling Services (HTS)

Our voluntary free services focus on:

Life Skills Programme

Modules facilitation: Job preparation and excelling at interviews

Skills Development Programme

End-User Computer training

Volunteer Programme

Expose young people to working experience

Stories of Change

Since the inception in 2016 and became a registered entity in 2017, Built Africa has shared information, advice and referred a lot of young people within Derdepoort, Lindo Park, Ekklesia, Jan Niemand Park, East Lynne, Eersterust, Mamelodi and surrounding areas of Pretoria.

What People Say

Stephine
Volunteering for me has been an eye opener. I have had the privilege to work with different types of people that have thought me to be hard working and how to work in a team. I worked as a volunteer for 1 year and a few months after proving to be a hard worker- I was given a position as data capture for the PEPFAR program. For that I am thankful to Built-Africa for giving me this opportunity.

Fortune
I just want to share a quick note and let you know that Built Africa is doing a remarkable job. I'm glad I decided your programs- right now I m computer literate-through you End User Computer training. I believe it is not just me with like mind sentiments but the whole of my class. Built Africa programs are really helping youths to learn and navigate both the life and work space.

Aricia Jacobs
The three days spent in class for the life skills course, it was first of all fun and it was educational. Not
only from the facilitators but also educational from the different minds and characters in the class. I joined the program hoping to find inspiration and motivation for myself, and that is exactly what I got from each individual and the topics discussed in class. Listening to different opinions from everyone, made me understand things on a different level.

Lecrec David
My name is Lecrec David, writing this to Built-Africa, giving thanks to Ms Eldery and her team who helped me a lot. They hold my hand through my journey to fight my drug addiction- and today I am clean. I am a beneficiary of Life Skills, computer training and Fork lift training. They even recommended me through referral to SANCA, where I am currently working now as a facilitator. Again, thanks to Ms. Eldery and her team as they are helping our communities and building lives for a lot of youths through their skill programs.

Bontle Aphane
I am currently finishing my learnership for Health Promotional Officer, thanks to Built-Africa for extending the opportunity and I am very grateful for that. I started with life skills program then was referred to End user computing just like any other beneficiaries and fortunate enough I got the HPO learnership opportunity for one year. Built Africa is really a life changer and a good support system in uplifting our lives as youth mentally, socially and emotionally. I can say that I now see the world in a very different, positive way compared to before I came here and attended their program's.

Fabio
Hey, my name is Fabio, a beneficiary of Built Africa an NPO which assist unemployed youth to improve their lives through skills program. I am one of the unemployed youths that went through Life skills, computer training and ultimately for my technical option I chose Forklift
training. Upon completion of my forklifting training, I was awarded with a Forklift certificate of competence. It took me a long time to find myself but that to Built- Africa they assisted me to navigate myself again. Thanks to Ms. Eldery and her strong team for helping youths and women to improve their lives through skills development programs.

Sylvester Block
My name is Sylvester Block. I am a beneficiary at Build-Africa. I am very Grateful for what you have done for me. I have taken part in Life Skills and End User Computing. This really assisted me in having a better understanding of both the soft and hardware of computers. I also pray that God may continue to Bless you.

Felicia Hlamalane Maranela
It is my pleasure to be recommending Built Africa to all the youth that are struggling to find their feet. I am grateful to be part of the organization because it has helped me to find myself and now I can go in an interview with my head held up. Being part of the organization and being able to take part in their different skills program has really helped- I went in blank and got out with experience about work and life in general. Thank you for giving us the opportunity, so that we can be able to express and improve ourselves through the different lessons and program you offer.

People Reached

2018 - current

Stakeholder Agreement

We have established partnerships with private, public, and international entities, including the Department of Social Development (DSD), Department of Health, local clinics, Solidarity Fund, The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Department of Employment & Labour, Department of Education, WITS RHI, Tshwane Foodbank, National AIDS Convention of South Africa (NACOSA), Health & Welfare SETA, National Development Agency (NDA), University of Pretoria (UP), and local community stakeholder forums, just to name a few.We are committed to continuing to build and maintain these relationships. Through these partnerships, Built Africa delivers high-quality services that strengthen our reputation and positive impact within the community.

Community Impact

Through our Information and Referral Desk, Built Africa addresses beneficiaries’ needs beyond the services of a single programme. We design and implement planned programmes that create positive social impact, helping participants become independent and self-sufficient.We adopt a comprehensive approach to social services, striving to bridge the gap between employers and the unemployed. Through these efforts, Built Africa continues to foster stronger relationships within communities and with stakeholders, creating a lasting and meaningful impact.

Get in touch

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us today—we’re here to help and guide you.

Board of Directors

Eldery Gertze
Executive Director ( Founder)

Godfrey Louw
Treasurer

Velma Cleophas
Programs Advisor

Dias Bongo
Chairperson ( Co-Founder )

Juviannise Kenny
Secretary

Veronica Malan Lebona
Additional member

Nonhlanhla Masilela
Deputy treasurer

Johnny Sehlakgane
Deputy Secretary

DAntoinette Van Wyk
Additional member

Gallery

COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic

What is a Coronavirus?Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory infections, like the common cold, but can sometimes lead to more serious illnesses. They are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans.Why is it called a Coronavirus?The name comes from the Latin word corona, meaning “crown,” because of the crown-like spikes on the virus’s surface.Coronavirus vs. COVID-19The virus responsible for the current outbreak is SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it causes is called COVID-19.Common SymptomsMild infections often cause:

Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, or even death.Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

COVID-19 spreads mainly through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Droplets can land on surfaces, which can then infect someone who touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.TreatmentThere is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Care focuses on relieving symptoms, supporting breathing, and preventing complications. Antibiotics do not treat the virus but may be used if a secondary bacterial infection occurs.Protection & PreventionTo reduce your risk: