About Mamelani Projects
A Cape Town-based organisation working alongside young people leaving alternative care and the systems that support them.
Listening. Learning. Walking alongside.
Mamelani Projects was founded in 2003 with a commitment to community development and creating spaces where people can strengthen their health, well-being and resilience.
The name Mamelani is inspired by the isiXhosa expression “masimamelaneni”, meaning “we must listen to each other”. Listening remains central to how we work today.
Supporting young people to build lives beyond care.
Our work focuses on young people transitioning from Child and Youth Care Centres and other forms of alternative care.
We recognise that independence does not happen overnight. Young people need relationships, practical support, opportunities to develop skills and the confidence to shape their own futures.
A future where young people do not have to transition alone.
We envision systems where young people leaving care have meaningful relationships, opportunities and support as they build independent lives.
Creating lasting change with young people.
We work alongside young people, practitioners and organisations to strengthen transitions from care and influence the systems that shape young people's lives.
From community development to a focused transition from care.
More than two decades of learning have shaped the way Mamelani works today.
Mamelani Projects begins
Mamelani is established as a community development organisation in Cape Town.
Health, well-being and youth development
Community Health & Well-being and Youth Development become important areas of work.
A relationship-based transition model
Through Youth Development, Mamelani develops a relationship-based approach to supporting young people leaving Child and Youth Care Centres.
A strategic transition
Mamelani closes its Community Health & Well-being programme and focuses fully on young people leaving alternative care.
How we work matters.
Our approach has grown through years of practice, reflection and learning alongside young people and partners.
Relational
We build meaningful and consistent relationships.
Experiential
We believe experience can create powerful opportunities for learning.
Strengths-Based
We recognise the strengths and potential already present.
Reflective
We learn continuously from our experiences.
Responsive
We adapt our work to changing needs and realities.
Participatory
Young people are active partners in shaping our work.