In March 2025, Bulela Gudlwa proudly stepped into a new chapter of her life as she began her role as a Security Officer at Fidelity — a significant turning point made possible through her journey with the Elevation Programme, a beneficiary of the Val de Vie Foundation. While Bulela had the technical qualifications, it was the programme’s emphasis on personal development, confidence-building and professional readiness that gave her the tools and the belief in herself to move forward with purpose.
Her journey began in August 2024, when she enrolled in the Life Skills course in Mbekweni. The programme offered more than just theory, it provided practical, relatable tools that helped Bulela navigate her personal, social and professional life. From self-improvement and interpersonal relationships to career growth and computer literacy, the course created a platform of skills that would serve her long beyond the classroom.
The following month, she joined the Work Readiness phase of the programme, where she gained the confidence to articulate her strengths and present herself to potential employers with clarity and conviction. “I feel empowered,” she shared, describing how the programme helped her uncover her unique value, build a strong personal narrative and enhance her employability.
Behind this transformation lies a story of resilience. Bulela, a 27-year-old mother from Dal Josaphat in Paarl, has faced many of life’s challenges head-on. After her parents’ divorce, she relocated to the Eastern Cape to live with her grandmother, where she completed her high school education. She returned to the Western Cape in 2017, determined to create a brighter future for herself and her young son.
Her success through the Elevation Programme is a testament to her determination and to the power of meaningful, hands-on support. The programme didn’t just help Bulela find a job; it ignited a long-term commitment to growth, adaptability and self-belief. Her story is one of many that reflect the Elevation Programme’s impact: restoring dignity, unlocking potential and building sustainable pathways to opportunity.
