Car wash gives youth a boost

Cape Mental Health launched its Ubuntu Car Wash with much fanfare at its Training Workshops Unlimited in Athlone, on Saturday May 3.

Spokesperson Barbara Meyer said the car wash gave young people a chance to escape the cycle of poverty. 

“For many young people with mental disabilities, finding employment in the open labour market is a significant challenge, as they are often overlooked or deprived of opportunities. Ubuntu Car Wash is a job creation initiative to provide sustainable employment opportunities. What sets this project apart from other car wash enterprises is that an integration model will include both people with mental disabilities and people who are not disabled but are unemployed and marginalised, offering them employment, skills development, and inclusion in community support initiatives,” Ms Meyer said.

The organisation hopes to employ 30 people within its first year of operating.

Training Workshops Unlimited manager, Vusi Ndukuya, expressed his appreciation, as most clients said they read about the launch in the Athlone News. 

“A dedicated team of car wash trainees showcased their expertise and meticulous handling of the cars. They all had on-site training, with the support of a cleaning equipment company. The trainees’ families also came to support them on their ‘first day at work’. The owners of at least 12 of the 20 cars washed mentioned to us that they saw the community notice in the Athlone News,” Mr Ndukuya said.

Many of the clients also said they came to support the car wash because the facility is secure and they don’t have to worry about the safety of their vehicles. Some also said that they would be back because the service was beyond what was expected, while others enquired about how they could volunteer for Cape Mental Health.

“At least 20 trainees are benefiting from this project as a potential bridging and support to the open labour market. The project is likely to create permanent future employment as it gradually grows and improves their lives. It is all about ability,” Mr Ndukuya said.

Ms Meyer said Cape Mental Health is committed to challenging socially restrictive and discriminatory practices affecting the mental health of all people.

“Ubuntu Car Wash aligns with the organisation’s mission to empower disadvantaged individuals through structured work environments, skills development, and greater financial independence,” she added.

The car wash will operate every Saturday from Cape Mental Health’s Training Workshops Unlimited premises, on the corner of Johnston and Klipfontein Roads, Athlone, from 9am to 1pm.