During Human Rights Month, critical infrastructure upgrades and donations have been handed over to Amcare, reinforcing its ability to serve thousands of vulnerable residents.

The initiative follows the successful completion of the Eiger Substation Security Upgrades by Eskom Rotek Industries (ERI), delivered under its Sinobuntu programme.

Sinobuntu is a community-focused approach ensuring that projects leave a meaningful, lasting impact where they are implemented.

At the same time, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) concluded a seven-month infrastructure project, significantly enhancing Amcare’s operational resilience.

The project included installing 18 solar panels, battery systems, and inverters, alongside the donation of a 5 000-litre JoJo water tank, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery despite ongoing power and water disruptions.

Together, ERI’s security upgrades and NTCSA’s infrastructure investment mark a transformative moment for the organisation.

Strengthening dignity through infrastructure

For Amcare, these upgrades are far more than technical improvements; they are essential tools in restoring dignity.

The solar installation ensures that critical services such as victim support, counselling, and administrative operations continue uninterrupted, while the JoJo tank provides a reliable water reserve for hygiene, daily programmes and emergency response.

Senior advisor for stakeholder management at NTCSA, Modiegi Sibanyoni, emphasised the broader impact.

“Amcare’s work touches the lives of thousands of people, often at their most vulnerable moments. By improving access to reliable power and water, we are ensuring their services remain uninterrupted, especially during times of crisis,” Modiegi said.

Project manager Themba Phungwayo added that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure.

“This project is about enabling continuity of care. When organisations like Amcare operate without disruption, the entire community benefits,” he said.

A Human Rights Month reflection

The handover comes at a poignant time.

March, commemorated as Human Rights Month in South Africa, highlights the importance of dignity, equality, and freedom, values central to Amcare’s mission.

Many of the individuals supported by the organisation are victims of gender-based violence, abuse and systemic inequality, circumstances that strip them of their fundamental rights.

Others face the harsh realities of HIV/Aids, often contracted through non-disclosure, leaving them vulnerable, isolated and without support.

Amcare stands as a safeguard against these injustices, restoring dignity to mothers, fathers, children and entire families.

Through food provision, clothing distribution, counselling and outreach programmes, the organisation actively upholds basic human rights enshrined in South African law, particularly for children and vulnerable groups.

A beacon of hope in Alberton

Founded in 2002 by the Alberton Methodist Church, Amcare has grown into a multi-faceted support organisation delivering services ranging from victim empowerment and HIV/Aids support to elderly care and community outreach.

Ward 94 councillor Samantha Nair, who played a key role in securing the project, said that the decision to support Amcare was clear.

“They care for vulnerable people who live here, and they need to be supported and protected no matter the circumstances,” she said.

Having served the communities for over two decades, Nair reflected on Amcare’s evolution, noting how the organisation has helped survivors reclaim their voices, with some former victims now leading advocacy efforts against gender-based violence.

Community voices behind the project

The handover event, led by programme director Khulile Tshaze, highlighted the shared commitment among stakeholders.

Representing NTCSA, Bongeka Mthembu acknowledged ERI’s contribution, while ERI team leader Sibusiso Skosana described Amcare as a beacon of hope for Alberton and the surrounding communities.

Skosana noted that ensuring the facility remains safe, secure and welcoming is critical, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma and require an environment that feels like home.

Restoring hope, inside and out

Amcare general manager Marihet Infantino welcomed the donations, describing them as long-awaited and deeply meaningful.

She explained that beyond operational improvements, the upgrades allow the organisation to maintain a clean, safe and dignified environment for those it serves.

“A facility itself can give hope to the hopeless. A well-maintained space can inspire healing, renewal and a renewed sense of purpose,” she said, noting that many individuals arrive from difficult and impoverished circumstances.

Infantino also highlighted practical improvements, including a new remote-controlled gate system that enhances both safety and accessibility.

“With enhanced energy security, water storage and improved facilities, Amcare is now better equipped to continue its mission restoring dignity, protecting human rights and providing life-changing support to those who need it most,” Infantino said.

In the spirit of Human Rights Month, the message is clear: dignity is not a privilege, but a right.

And through strengthened infrastructure and community collaboration, that right is being protected every day in Alberton.

For more information or to support Amcare, contact 011 869 5856 or visit www.amcare.org.za