FCD students graduate – from crime to own business

From a previous life of crime to running his own small sewing business — this is the success story of a disabled graduate of FCD Skills Centre in Durbanville.

Thabo Tyhulu, who uses a wheelchair, overcame his challenges and showed endurance in the face of difficulty, says Jane Gelderman, chief executive director of FCD Skills Centre.

Tyhulu has been using a wheelchair since 2005. After his release from prison in 2014, he made the life-changing decision to turn away from his previous life of crime and start sewing. He gained sewing skills in prison and later joined FCD Skills Centre to further develop his craft and gain basic business knowledge to turn his sewing talent into income generation, says Gelderman.

Travel with wheelchair

“For nine weeks he travelled in and out of Durbanville with his wheelchair from Mfuleni by taxi. Today, he runs a small sewing business with three machines, mending school clothes for underprivileged children in his community at no cost — and as a very smart marketing tool — and is steadily growing his income,” she says.

Tyulu was among 257 graduates who were recently celebrated for their hard work and determination at the second graduation ceremony this year on 2 October at Durbanville-Bergsig Dutch Reformed Church.

Each of the graduates completed one of the 12 sponsored skills programmes, which are designed to equip unemployed individuals from vulnerable communities with the skills and confidence needed to enter the world of work.

“The hall was filled with joy as graduates entered with a praise march, during which the audience cheered them on for their perseverance and courage in overcoming numerous challenges. The celebration captured the essence of FCD’s mission — to address unemployment, particularly among youth, by equipping people with practical skills and pathways to economic participation,” Gelderman says.

Secured employment

“With 85% of FCD graduates (2024/’25 statistics) becoming economically active after completing their programmes, the impact of this training continues to reach families and communities across Cape Town,” she says.

Beyond Tyhulu’s success story, many other graduates are now thriving in the workplace.

Recently 18 FCD students secured employment at the newly opened Groot Phesantekraal View Mall, taking up positions at SuperSpar, The Daily, Dis-Chem, Checkers Liquor and PNA.

“These success stories are a powerful reminder of how practical training and partnership with employers can transform lives and strengthen communities,” Gelderman says.

“As a faith-based mission, we remain in awe of God’s provision during a very challenging year, during which FCD Durbanville had to relocate to new premises while sustaining its mission in a demanding NPO landscape. The team could not have impacted 440 lives in 2024/’25 without the unwavering support of our industry partners, donors and volunteers,” she concludes.

To help sustain this vital work, FCD invites businesses and community members to partner with them through volunteering, donations or the recruitment of graduates.

. Contact FCD Skills Centre on info@fisantekraal.org.za to become involved or visit fisantekraal.org.za for more information.