Our vision is a Sophiatown and surrounding communities where all people truly belong: where there is healing, opportunity and prosperity; so that resources are used to create a society where none live in poverty.

Our programmes integrate leadership and value-based approaches which enhance social justice and a non-racial society.  Our business enterprise work is based on a people-planet-profit dynamic.

We also preserve and share the history of this area, and the histories of the multi-cultural communities who inspired Fr Huddleston throughout his life.

Our values are inspired by the life-long service of Fr Huddleston to the recognition of every person’s intrinsic and equal value:  we aim to operate with integrity, a focus on service, we value innovation and respect diversity

Our venues, known as Sophiatown the Mix -  are a state of the art ‘green’ building and an original 1930s Sophiatown home that has a rich history.  You can discover more by joining a walking tour every Saturday at 11am (other days by arrangement) .  Click here to find out more. or call to book

Tour Bookings:

083 550 7130

Entrance to heritage

house: R60 per person (groups 6+ R45 pp)

Full Sophiatown walking tours R180 every Saturday 11am

All profits are routed to support our work with young people and creative community development that is sustainable: where the impact on people, planet and profit is carefully judged and resources shared.

Trevor Huddleston CR Memorial Centre, 71 Toby Street, Sophiatown, Johannesburg, 2092 . Post: PO Box 468, Westhoven 2142.  

Email: thmcentre@mweb.co.za   Tel: +27 (0) 11 673 1271   Fax: +27 (0) 11 252 7976

Registered section 21 not-for-profit association no 2000/006377/08

The Trevor Huddleston Memorial Centre. NPO no 020 393

             Patrons: Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Ambassador Abdul Minty, Rev Mpho Tutu

Hon Sophie du Bruyn MP, Emeritus Archbishop Khotso Makhulu, Esme Matshikiza, Sally Motlana.

Board Members

Rev Sam Masemola (chair), Lebogang Motlana,
Rev Basil Manning,
Trevor Fowler,
Bon Chandiyamba.
Sec: Violet Mohotloane

The Trevor Huddleston CR Memorial Centre (THMC)

Sophiatown-based Youth Entrepreneurs celebrate Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards March 2019

We were delighted to celebrate the BizCre8 2019 Awards for Excellence In Entrepreneurship and here are the winning entrepreneurs with our judges and sponsor, Clive Beeston, a UK based businessman.

Veg on the Go - Riah Maseko - Best female entrepreneur 2019 . Runner up - Margaret Chandia - Tru Beauty

1stOneAdventures - Jack Mthembu - Winner, Job Creation 2019.  Runner up - Riah Maseko - Veg on the Go

Neo Grow - Pitso Manyike - Winner, Innovation 2019

1stOneAdventures - Jack Mthembu - Winner Most Market Traction 2019

Our keynote speaker was Dr Michael Magonda.  

Thanks to our Programme Director Sabelo Mashwama of Esibayeni Group, and Trevor Fowler THMC board member for book-ending the event with humour and gravitas.  And click here for more info on our BizCre8 programme.

We are an 18-year strong non-profit company which exists to inspire communities and young people, and enable them to live, realise and achieve their dreams and thrive with dignity.

We do this in Sophiatown itself, and through partnerships established across the world: these include the ASHA Centre, UK; St Martin in the Fields; Gloucester Theatre Company; Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) and with individuals and groups from the USA to Uganda.

In South Africa, the THMC board established a BBBEE social enterprise company in July 2014 – Sophiatown Motswako Enterpises (SME) Pty Ltd - to deliver some specific programmes to support young entrepreneurs to create businesses.

We also host arts, culture and heritage for all, based on our firm belief that culture is integral to the society we build in the future. You can find out more about these programmes here

Our approach catalyses young people's own dreams and strengths in whichever direction they are drawn, whether this is the arts, business, technology, science or some newly emerging category!

Over 18 years we have directly impacted on more than 10,000 young lives through work, training, cultural exchanges, mentoring, bursaries and artistic endeavours, to increase access to the economy through jobs, enterprise and culture.  In 2014 we developed our Green Skills Programme supporting youth into employment in the green economy and cultural industry sectors, as well as the BizCre8 programme for youth owned or youth run organisations. Read more about these here

Latest Updates

Our impact for the last 12 months:

• Around 300 people a week visited our site for cultural experiences, through tours, live music, dance, drama, film screenings and art exhibitions.
• 85 young people workshopped their ideas for community and green businesses
• 10 start up entrepreneurs secured grants towards their business operational needs
• 50 new businesses were formed from the BizCre8 programme, supporting young people in the green economy
• Five young people completed their work experience and traineeship at THMC in tourism, hospitality, marketing, facilities and events.
• Four were employed by THMC and our social business SME.
• 100 adults engaged with our Open Community Encounters Dialogues, meeting people and sharing our stories of making lives in South Africa.
• Ten special events were hosted including a commemoration of O R Tambo (in partnership with the British High Commission and the O R Tambo Foundation)
• 90 musicians performed at our venue giving affordable access to music for local residents
• A new walking tour was launched in partnership with JDA (Jozi Walks) including creating income for local resident, Elizabeth Nobathane.
• Two staff made overseas learning trips - one to Finland for Bridging Ages, and one to UK for youth development work.

We are all about people:  connecting and working together to make a better South Africa.  Click here read a story about Fr Huddleston’s commitment to the development of young people that inspires us

Jack Mthembu took two awards this year - in the Job Creation category (presented by Elmond Khoza, a former winner);and Most Market Traction (left) presented by Mr and Mrs Clive Beeson, sponsors of the awards.

Fr Trevor, concerned that a 14 year old Hugh Masekela was not fulfilling his potential at St Peter’s School, gave Hugh money to buy a second hand trumpet.

He was promptly inundated with requests, including from a teenage Jonas Gwangwa, for other instruments.  From this gift came the Huddleston Jazz Band and lifelong musical careers. Read here how even Louis Armstrong got involved!

Commemorating O R Tambo and his friendship
with  Fr Huddleston at the Trevor Huddleston Memorial building      

Riah Maseko a BizCre8 entrepreneur, with President Ramaphosa March 2018

Clive Beeston  Awards Sponsor