KwaDukuza charity Fair hits R450k on first day of fundraising

KwaDukuza Child Welfare received a much-needed cash boost ahead of next month’s annual Winter Fair, raising nearly half a million rand at their fundraising launch in Stanger last week.

On Friday, Siza Water handed over a cheque for R110 000, kickstarting the non-profit organisation’s fundraising campaign.

The total reached R454 000 by the end of Friday, thanks to donations from the KwaDukuza community, far exceeding the R400 000 target. The funds are critical to cover the costs of the five-day event, which will run from July 2-6 at the KwaDukuza Municipal Showgrounds.

Last year, the winter fair attracted around 54 000 attendees, offering both entertainment and vital financial support for Child Welfare’s operations.

Shyam Misra, group managing director of Siza Water, said their partnership with Child Welfare was rooted in compassion and the belief that every child deserves love, safety and opportunity, regardless of their background.

“Through our Youth and Community Development Fund, Siza Water stands with those who fight tirelessly for the voiceless,” said Misra.

Child Welfare president Sandeep Oudhram said the goal is to raise R2-million overall. He emphasised the importance of the fair in keeping them afloat.

“Our core function is child protection, especially for abandoned and abused children. But we also provide sanctuary for victims of domestic violence,” he said.

The organisation conducts outreach and support projects across all 30 KwaDukuza wards, including both low-income and affluent areas.

In Groutville alone, Child Welfare operates 20 foster homes, each housing up to six children. With little government funding, the organisation operates at a monthly deficit of R260 000. The Winter Fair provides a vital financial injection.

“Funding is always a challenge. Although we receive some subsidies from the state, we must raise the remaining funds ourselves to keep the organisation running,” said Oudhram.

“The Winter Fair is our major fundraiser. It supports our services, boosts local businesses and unites the community around a worthy cause.”

Senior social work manager, Karnegie Govender, urged businesses from Ballito and surrounding areas to step in.

“We need more help from affluent communities. People often think neglect and abuse are problems only found in poorer areas, but this is not the case,” she said.

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