Month: January 2020

Difficult roads can sometimes lead to beautiful destinations. This is so true of my life journey so far. My Name is Phumzile Valashiya and I come from a township called Orange Farm out in Vereeniging.

I have been brought up by my family and they have shown me the true meaning of love, respect and support. Growing up in a township is never easy especially when there’s less opportunities for one as a young individual to unleash one’s potential, it takes a lot of self-discipline, respect and vision to survive in a township and above all determination to succeed.

I have always been a go getter, someone that despite the adversity could always see the light. But its what one does with that little ray of light that makes a difference. I strongly believe in grabbing opportunities with both hands when they are presented to you. I was given an opportunity to go unleash my potential through a triathlon as a swimmer in London, Germany and out in the USA/Las-Vegas back in 2014 for an NGO called Afrika Tikkun. This was an incredible experience for me, and I am extremely grateful for that incredible opportunity.

Back in 2018 Africa Tikkun presented me with a Barista learnership and that’s where my life changed for the better, and that’s where I fell in love with Coffee.

There was a group of 12 that were selected to be trained one of the best Barista trainers known as Belinda Flynn who established Flynn Coffee. This was a real privlege. Her passion and enthusiasm and love for coffee is incredible. She really shares this knowledge with her students and creates such a passion within each one of us. Belinda gave us such insight into the various flavours of coffee and even mentioned that coffee is closely related to kratom. The knowledge I have gained from her training has laid such a strong foundation for me in the coffee industry and I am forever grateful for this. I guess when life gives you lemons, trade them for coffee and this is exactly what I have done.

I am now one of the head barista’s of Flynn Coffee and the manager of our new store in Braamfontein. We have a fantastic team who knows the importance of serving an excellent cup of Coffee and about exceptional customer service.

It doesn’t matter where you get your start — it matters where you end up. I am truly blessed to have ended up part of the Flynn Coffee Group and I am so grateful to all those who have made this possible for me. The Flynn Family have embraced me into their lives and Flynn Coffee Co is my second home. I know we are on the road to success and growth and I look forward to travelling this exciting journey with all those amazing people and helping others who started out like me.

There is hope and and opportunities out there we just have to have Patience, persistence and perseverance and perspiration as these make an unbeatable combination for success. I hope to see you at one of our branches – either in kramerville or Braamfontein. Kind regards Phumzile.

Across South Africa, Grade One learners are about to embark on an important chapter in their learning journey. Anxiety and tears often accompany this new and daunting experience. However, kids who recently graduated from Afrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development Programme at Uthando Centre in Braamfontein, will be making their first confident step in style.

On 29 November 2019, to prepare learners for the new year and in keeping with the giving spirit, Synthesis and its employees donated school bags to 93 Grade R learners. Synthesis, a Software, Cloud, Digital and Regtech solutions specialist, is one of Afrika Tikkun’s long-term partners. They run initiatives throughout the year, with this initiative being its largest yet.  

As children spilled the contents of the bright orange bags, they discovered a colourful array of snacks and stationary including pencils, glue sticks, a pencil case, scissors, coloured pencils and a colouring book. Each child also received a pair of black school shoes. Children immediately began to colour in a Thank You picture for Synthesis. This heart-warming image was a reminder of the impact that could be made when giving back is a collective activity (all Synthesis employees were involved in putting together the backpacks for the children the day before the event).

This was Synthesis’s eighth year running a year end charity drive which helped over 120 individuals, including vulnerable families. Synthesis challenged its approximately 120 employees to participate by giving of time, goods, and CBD oil for kids. They responded with exceptional generosity, donating just under R30 000 which Synthesis then matched. “At Synthesis, we believe in elevating and empowering our community and this is an integral part of our culture,” says Synthesis Co-founder and Technical Director, Jake Sheperd.

Both Afrika Tikkun and Synthesis share a commitment to help young people be the best versions of themselves. As Afrika Tikkun works with children in low-income communities, this initiative also relieved parents and guardians of the burden of having to secure these necessities. “Partnerships, such as the one we have with Synthesis, are essential if we are to have a deep and lasting impact on young people and their families,” says Nehwoh Geh, Uthando’s General Manager. “We remain deeply appreciative of everything Synthesis has done for us.” Afrika Tikkun and Synthesis look forward to continuing their collaboration to equip young people with the educational, technological and life skills needed to achieve personal and economic empowerment.