Brandon Isaacs
Young South Africans pioneering the future
“Re-imagining disadvantaged communities is a strong passion I have for our country."
Community Developer and Marketing Manager at Izwe Training & Development, Brandon Isaacs, has devoted the last six years of his life to igniting change, empowering the youth, challenging the status quo, and is continuing to make conscious efforts to combat alcoholism, drug addiction and other social issues in the community of Reiger Park, Boksburg.
This process of transformation within the community of Reiger Park has seen gratifying results through the assistance and generous sponsorship of The Pacific Institute (TPI) who made available their life-changing process – the Investment in Excellence curriculum – which is based on a change of your thoughts, lead self, lead others philosophy.
Brandon, having previously worked in the short term and commercial insurance industry describes himself as an affable person with a drive for customer satisfaction and overall excellence. However, after several years of working in the insurance industry, Brandon was moved to pursue something different. “A few years ago, a divine intervention inspired me to get into community development to empower well deserving young people to recognize that they have choices in life and to teach them the understanding that their current beliefs and attitudes shapes their expectations for the future and how our choices become our reality. Through this process our youth learn that they are in control of the way they think and can use that power to change the way they live their lives” said Brandon.
He adds: “Coming from a life of drug abuse and distractive living, I understand the importance of choices and how it has an effect on our lives. My goal currently Is to inspire everyone to embrace more fully the existing drive for excellence in their lives. My efforts have been instrumental through which educators, businessmen, prison parolees and NGOs, received a set of thinking skills to challenge their perceptions of themselves, their colleagues and the organisations they represent. Skills to enable them to identify and address the barriers to their own success, and significantly improve their effectiveness as individuals and as team members - maximising their potential and enhancing their performance results.”
Thus far, Brandon, in partnership with the Investment in Excellence programme has made immense contributions towards uplifting the community and liberating its people. To date 170 educators, 5 pastors, 19 parolees, 20 small and micro businesses, and 200 unemployed matriculants have benefitted from the programme. Additionally, over 10 people have received formal employment opportunities and 20 unemployed people have formed a co- operative that has been funded by government to start a recycling business. A business incubator has also been designed to create job opportunities and a business forum has been established to enable the emergence of small formal businesses to help strengthen the local economy.
Brandon's current initiative, the “Be Your Own Boss Programme” under the Izwe Training and Development Project promises further advancement toward realizing a re-imaged community.
Izwe Training and Development formally known as the Civil Engineering Industry Education and Training Board "CEITB"; was establish in 1972. In 1999, the company was converted to a Non-Profit Company, as Construction Industry Education and Training Board "CIETS"; in line with conditions of the Skills Development Act. And in 2012 the company's name changed to Izwe Training and Development
Izwe is accredited with the Construction Education and Training Authority and provides training for varying sizes of construction companies. Izwe has expanded its product to include technical skills and entrepreneurship training to private individuals.
In keeping with the National Development Plan 2030, a long-term South African development plan established by the Zuma administration, Izwe trains unemployed youth to alleviate poverty, encourage self-reliance through entrepreneurship and address inequalities.
Brandon has proved to not only equip young individuals with the tools to overcome their failing circumstances, but also acts as a source of inspiration to many. “Many of the young people registered on our programme come from rehabilitation homes, are unemployed, and even parolees. Most are unable to pay for the training and to meet the cost of starting and running their own businesses. Hence, it's my job to connect with these individuals, inspire them to believe and source resources to assist them with training to gain a practical skill and guide them on their journey of self-development.”
Brandon's desire for growth and prosperity for others extends beyond the immediate community of Reiger Park. He adds: “Re-imagining disadvantaged communities is a strong passion I have for our country. We realize there are no quick fixes for the difficult challenges of life, which are often aggravated by beliefs which have been entrenched in individuals, families and communities for years, sometimes for generations. Still, I believe we offer a significant part of the solution to dealing with these deep-rooted problems. Our communities and overall country can achieve its objectives when goals and strategies are agreed to, and the best public and private resources are mobilized and commitment is sustained.”
Contact details:
Mobile: +27 83 9478930
Email: brandon@izwetd.com
To follow this movement, visit the organisation's Facebook pages, as well as their websites here:
Izwe Training and Development
http://www.izwetd.com
Re-imagine Reiger Park