About Us | ADC

About

The ADC

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

History

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC) was established in 2014, in response to ever-rising levels of youth unemployment and persistent socio-economic challenges in the community of Joza, Makhanda which is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

The ADC was founded by a number of local partners viz. the Assumption Sisters, Rhodes University, St Mary’s Day Care Centre, GADRA Education, GADRA Advice and The Ubunye Foundation. These partnerships and others are pivotal to the ongoing sustainability and growth of the organisation.

The Centre operates from a space that was historically home to the Assumption’s Sisters’ community health care facility or clinic. The organisation is thus aptly named by way of honouring the important role of the Assumption Sisters in the inception, operations and sustainability of the ADC. The special relationship of trust between the ADC and the community of Joza is bolstered by the legacy of service of the Assumption Sisters within the area over an extended period of time.

Our Board

ADC is governed by a dedicated team of diverse professionals who are committed to positively impacting the educational and employment trajectory of youth as well as the upliftment of the local community. Below is a list of our board governors.

Prof Noel Pearse

CHAIRPERSON

Years Service: 6
Profession: Director – Rhodes Business School

Sazi Mabaso

TREASURER

Years Service: 2
Profession: Chartered Accountant

Faith Madeli

SECRETARY

Years Service: 1
Profession: Board Secretary

Diana Hornby

Member

Years Service: 4
Profession: Director – Rhodes Community Engagement

Sr Amelia Murphy

Member

Years Service: 8
Profession: Assumption Sisters Nun

Sr Pikolwethu Kwenxe

Member

Years Service: 2
Profession: Assumption Sisters Nun

Ashley Westaway

Member

Years Service: 6
Profession: Manager – GADRA Education

Our Team

The ADC is blessed with a passionate and committed team of staff, who go above and beyond the call of duty to bring change to youth and their families in the Joza and Makhanda communities.

Masonwabe Nduna

Centre Manager

Siphokuhle Njovane

Second Chance Matric School Prog Coordinator

Siphosethu Bekwa

Admin and SEF Coordinator

Pumla Nondlwana

Savings Groups Prog Coordinator

Nwabisa Nkani

Work Placements & Career Guidance Coordinaor

Princess Makhatha

Thabiso Life Skills Pro Coordinator

3,451

Assumption Development Centre

2 days ago

A Marathon with Purpose

Driven by a shared purpose and a deep connection to their hometown, this initiative has become a meaningful journey of effort, and lasting impact for the Assumption Development Centre (ADC).

Ahead of the Manchester Marathon on 19 April 2026, Gemma Scholtz and Nicky Allan set out to take on the 42.2km challenge in support of a cause close to their hearts. Describing the journey as both “exciting and slightly daunting,” they committed themselves not only to the physical demands of marathon training, but to raising awareness and funds for meaningful cause.

Both Gemma and Nicky grew up in Makhanda, a place that continues to hold deep personal significance for them. Like many communities across the country, Makhanda faces high levels of unemployment, with youth unemployment exceeding 50%. This reality leaves many young people without clear pathways into work opportunities after completing their schooling. As they highlighted, access to employment is about far more than income, it is fundamental to independence, stability and instill a sense of hope for the future. Expanding access to meaningful work is therefore one of the most powerful ways to alleviate poverty, it enables individuals to support themselves and their families. Ultimately, break cycles of hardship that continue to persist across generations.

Motivated by this, they chose to support the ADC, a grassroots organisation dedicated to breaking cycles of unemployment. Through education, skills development, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support, ADC is creating sustainable pathways for individuals to build better futures.
Taking on the challenge of the Manchester Marathon particularly while training through the long and demanding winter months, was no small undertaking. Yet, for Gemma and Nicky, the effort was made more meaningful by the knowledge that it would directly contribute to a cause that is making a tangible difference in their hometown.

Their campaign resonated widely, with an initial goal of £2,000, they ultimately surpassed expectations, raising £2,330 (over R50 000). This achievement reflects not only their perseverance, but also the strength of a community united in support of positive change.

The funds raised will contribute to ADC’s ongoing work in empowering individuals through education and opportunity, helping to create lasting impact in Makhanda.

This initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when personal commitment is paired with a clear purpose. ADC extends its sincere gratitude to Gemma and Nicky, as well as to every individual who contributed to the campaign. Your support is helping to build pathways to a more sustainable and hopeful future.

The fundraising appeal will be open until the 30th of April 2026. Here is a link below:
www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-raise-money-to-break-cycles-of-unemployment-in-sa ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Partner Spotlight: Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
Erasmus Student Network
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Rhodes University
Durham University
Centre for Postgraduate Studies
Deakin University Erasmus Student Network
Transparency International Cambodia
#democraticuniversities #academicdemocracy #HorizonEurope #openscience #MSCA #Druing #druwp4 #druwp6 #CommunityEngagement #youthdevelopment #Makhanda #SocialTransformation🌍 Partner Spotlight: Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC) was founded in 2014 by the Assumption Sisters, together with civil society organisations, in Joza, Makhanda, South Africa.

Created in response to persistent youth unemployment and socio-economic challenges, ADC works closely with local communities to promote education, empowerment and social justice. Its work is rooted in community engagement and a strong commitment to addressing structural inequalities.

We are pleased to spotlight ADC as a partner whose work reflects the transformative potential of community-based initiatives.

#DemocraticUniversities #AcademicDemocracy #HorizonEurope #OpenScience #MSCA #DRUing #PartnerSpotlight #ADC #CommunityEngagement #SocialTransformation #YouthDevelopment #Makhanda

Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
Erasmus Student Network
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Assumption Development Centre
Rhodes University
Durham University
Centre for Postgraduate Studies ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

We are pleased to share this fundraising effort in support of ADC and its meaningful work for a good cause.

Your consideration, whether through a donation or by sharing this link, is greatly valued.

gofund.me/f34e7c096 ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago

Photos from RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement's post ... See MoreSee Less

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1 month ago

#TheLearningTrust #YouthCapital
#YouthEmployment #Budget2026
#publicemployment #WorkForCommonGood
#EmpoweringLives ... See MoreSee Less

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