Girl Guides South Africa struggles with power cuts and repeated burglaries
Crime leaves non-profit in debt as funds meant for operational costs go toward petrol and repairs.
Power and water disruptions at Girl Guides South Africa’s centre in Randburg have left the organisation relying on cold water and generators to host events.
Girl Guides South Africa CEO Zimasa Gqibani said that since she took office in June, the centre has struggled with electricity and relied entirely on a generator.
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The interim power solution fell short during a recent international youth camp attended by more than 50 girls. “I was crossing my fingers because I knew something would happen,” Gqibani said.
“On the last day of the camp, the power went off at 20:00. Thankfully, the girls understood and could use the gas stoves so they could have warm food, but we had to find our own light solutions and use cold water.”
The lack of electricity has increased crime concerns and affected the quality of work provided by the organisation, as no work can be done in the office, while ongoing funds are allocated just to keep the generator running.
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“Back in June and July, we were broken into,” Gqibani said. “They took our gate motor and copper wires, and left the water running. Our bill was close to R11 000. Again, on October 6, we were robbed. They took all the copper wires and left the taps running. More money had to be taken out to fix that issue.”
This weekend, another event with elderly women will take place, and the centre still does not have electricity. The generator is used at intervals to prolong the petrol and attempt to spend less, as damages from the burglaries, alongside water and petrol expenses, have left the centre in debt.
The organisation has appealed for solar panel donations to help reduce expenses, as the membership fees that fund daily operations are consumed by petrol costs.
Donations can be co-ordinated by contacting Gqibani on 084 585 8239 or the office manager on 078 792 4348.
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