Mzimhlophe is one of the oldest townships in the country, and is situated in the far west of Soweto, Johannesburg. There are about 870 formal households and three informal settlements in the area.  Unemployment is high, and about 20% of the population has low literacy levels. The majority of adults are pensioners, and poverty is a big problem.

The Ark is located in the middle of the township and caters for orphans and vulnerable children within a 5 km radius. The Ark refers children in need of health services to the Motswaledi Clinic across the road from us. The clinic has been kind enough to allocate a piece of land on their ground to the Ark for a food garden. We have a good relationship with another organisation who works with orphans and vulnerable children in the area. Our Ark works with three primary schools and one high school in the neighbourhood.

Our Ark was founded in 2003 with the election of a committee from the community, and 200 children were registered for after-school care. The need was so great, that the community members used their own money to help buy school uniforms for the children.

We are currently hoping to lease/purchase a property for use as an Ark Centre, but due to legal complications this process has taken some years.

Our People

Martin Moloto (Ark Manager)

(tel:   083 643 6448 )

Our Ark offers:

• Child minders have received foundation phase and advance training on bereavement counselling and are able to provide counselling for children.
• General activities include home work supervision, sports (netball, soccer, traditional dance, cycling, computer literacy, clamber club, gardening).
• 191 OVC receive nutrition daily and attend after care.
• All 191 receive regular home visits on a monthly basis.
• Currently three OVC are receiving a grant through Noah.
• Volunteers assist in all the above activities including recruitment and mobilisation.
• Volunteers and staff assist with grant, birth certificates application.

• Children: School uniforms, netball and soccer kits, food parcels
• Ark: More full time staff members, better security
• Volunteers: Stipends, accredited training, funding for income generating programmes.

Or contact Noah if you have services or skills you would like to bring to Mzimhlophe Ark.

Our address

10882 November Street
Orlando West
Soweto