SOMOHO – Mountain of Hope

SOMOHO (Soweto Mountain of Hope) was formed to transform the Tshiawelo “Koppie” in Soweto into an Environment, Art and Cultural Centre. This was done not only to demonstrate a working example of sustainable development, but also to act as a permanent space for local creativity to merge in sports, culture, art and environmental initiatives. The project is a community-based organisation and strives to involve as many governmental departments as possible. SOMOHO aims to alleviate poverty through the creation of livelihoods using sports, arts, environment and culture and to create jobs through the promotion of waste management and environmental upliftment.
Innovation 

SOMOHO is the umbrella body, it is made up of smaller projects under the portfolio’s of art, environment, sports and culture. Amandla Waste Creations produces art from the rubbish in Soweto. Performing Arts Dzmo initiates theatre and music productions. The Information Technology Organisation (ITO) has established the grass roots ‘internet café’ and also keeps a library of sustainable development project videos. The ITO also conducts DJ training. The Catering Group, Bicycle Tours and the Sewing Co-op also operate under SOMOHO. The success and uniqueness of the project is due to the fact that the young people who are making it a success are also passionate about indigenous knowledge. All partners involved were committed to this and were prepared to go the extra mile to protect this aspect.
The project involves a multifaceted and integrated approach – there is something for everyone. There had to be room for community creativity and community-driven processes and outcomes built into the grant agreement.  
Effectiveness 

About 500 community volunteers last year and 150 this year have given their time to the project, with only a minority receiving a stipend. Most felt their efforts were rewarded in the fruits of the project. Residents are proud to have a neighbourhood park and social space used for multiple purposes. Crime has been reduced and job opportunities are growing. The WSSD objectives were achieved and literally 5000 people attended the WSSD closing ceremony on the hill.
Poverty Impact

The project has had an enormous physical and psychological impact on the neighbourhood of Tshiawelo.  Since this project has been in operation, there has not been a single incidence of crime in the park and even the area surrounding the park has improved in appearance. The police  are pleased because it saves on manpower, since this used to be one of Soweto’s crime hot spots. The Director of the program has built his house off proceeds from the sale of his art made totally from waste. Several hundred people have received training and exposure in various fields of interest
Sustainability 

To date, the costs of the project add up to R1.6 m. The project was designed around low maintenance and operational costs, high business potential and job creation elements that could sustain themselves and keep SOMOHO functioning. The project is flexible in structure to cope with the ebb and flow of external funding.   
Replication   

Authorities in Durban have made contact with the project management team from SOMOHO to assist and advise the Glenwood community in Umlazi to generate a similar initiative. The SOMOHO project had the WSSD as a driving force, other projects must seek out their own motivation aside from wanting to improve the community.
Partnerships
•    DBSA
•    British High Commission
•    Canada Fund
•    GAIA Foundation
•    DWAF & DEAT
•    DACEL
•    City of Johannesburg
 

Visit www.somoho.org for more information