UCEC is a registered Non-Profit, Public-Benefit Organisation established in 2003.

We are dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, human trafficking and other forms of abuse and victimisation. We do this by providing a range of services including timeous response, counselling, self-empowerment services and a temporary relief Crisis Centre and shelter for survivors.

Other services include skills development, distribution of food to the underprivileged, early childhood development for children who are affected and/or infected with HIV&AIDS, on-site pre & post-test counselling & support groups for HIVA&IDS.

What we do

UCEC aims to create a safe space for survivors of domestic and gender based violence to look at their situations, gain some perspective and understanding of where their life is and the path they followed to be here.  We ensure that we listen and hear their pain and empower them so that they can find, their own personal power and a possible solution or a better informed way through the crisis or issue that they are presently facing.

To ensure effective and successful processes, we do the following:-

• Psychosocial support and counselling
• Victim centered approach
• Developing knowledge of victim issues
• Strengthening resources
• Addressing needs of victims
• Prevention of secondary victimization
• Skills training and job support of victims
• Community awareness and education

Over and above these services, beneficiaries are assisted with applications for ID documents where required, actively seeking employment and typing of CV’s and internet service while job seeking. We also ensure that beneficiaries are well fed, groomed and dressed in clean and decent clothing when going for job interviews.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to play a vital role in the implementation of programs aimed at empowering both individuals and communities to become self sustainable and contributory citizens. The organization is driven by a clear purpose and conviction for what we do. Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre ensures a good corporate governance, accountability, transparency and financial management, maintaining a clear and defined strategy that is in line with its vision.

Our Vision

The organizations’ optimal vision and goal is in essence to bring a measure of relief and a helping hand to our fellow citizens, who in many cases by no choice of their own become subjected to the many misfortunes we face in our country. We seek to establish a partner / working relationship with our business community and individuals in a concerted effort to bring about a sense of self worth and independence to the less fortunate and underdeveloped people, to create a stigma free environment for those infected and affected by HIV/Aids and to those who are shamed as a result of being a victim of abuse (in its many facets), to be a life line for people who live in poverty and misery. Also, in the event of natural or other disasters in and around our country, UCEC will position itself to participate in the assessment and distribution of food, clothing, blankets and medical supplies, to engage professional field workers on a volunteer basis.

Who we assist

Our primary target groups are: survivors ans victims of domestic violence, physical & emotional abuse; Gender-Based Violence; victims and survivors of Human Trafficking & sexual abuse; Orphaned, abused, or neglected children;  Indigent persons over the age of 60 and  the destitute. Our services are for all in need regardless of age, gender, race or religion.

History of the organisation

The Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre (U.C.E.C.) began in 2003 as a result of a soup kitchen which targeted a few schools and needy families. We were thereafter confronted with the reality of many other overwhelming challenges that individuals and communities faced. We then sought after sponsorship for food, clothing, shoes, blankets and mattresses to assist these people who we found living