EDITOR – While we are all aware of the work done by Childline and acknowledge the need for their services, it is very mischievous for your journalist to say that Childline KZN is in a “financial crisis after the National Lottery pulled its support”.
The National Lottery has not “pulled its support” for Childline KZN. Here’s the story… A call for applications for National Lottery funding was advertised. The call had a specific deadline, 12 December 2012. Applicants were urged to submit as early as possible. Childline KZN submitted on 10 December 2012, two days before the deadline. The NLB received more than 8 500 applications. All applications are processed chronologically. Childline KZN’s application is in the queue. There are two matters that concern the NLB:
1. Childline KZN must have known of their financial difficulties. Why then did they leave it to the last minute to make their submission? Surely, they have to take responsibility for this? They have previously received 8 National Lottery grants amounting to about R8 million so the process is not new to them.
2. More importantly, Childline KZN has alleged that they are dependent on the National Lottery for funding. When examining records, the NLB established that the last application was in 2009 and grapples with why an organisation whose last application was 3 years ago can claim dependence. In fact, no organisation should claim dependence on any funder. Who is this “large corporate donor” we keep hearing about? Why is it only the NLB that is mentioned? Maybe we are not getting the full story from Childline KZN as they try to garner support for their fundraising efforts. The application from Childline KZN is in the queue and once a decision has been taken, the organisation will be advised of the outcome. This is the procedure use for all applicants and there are no guarantees.
Sershan Naidoo
Manager – Beneficiary & Player Relations; and Media Liaison
National Lottery Board
* The initial information supplied to Berea Mail was supplied by a member of Childline’s Crisis Committee which was formed to help raise funds for the organisation. – Editor.
