Call for increased community donor funding
Foundation issues grants for socio-economic upliftment.
DOORS of opportunity opened wide for many when grants were issued on Friday by the Uthungulu Community Foundation (UCF) at its Annual General Meeting.
But while more than 200 grant applications were received, limited UCF funds meant only 15 could be issued.
Numerous calls were made for corporates, businesses and individual to assist to grow the pool of financial capital that would enable more needy organisations to benefit from the grants.
Expressing profuse thanks to those donors who have swelled the coffers to the point where R19.1-million in grant capital is currently on hand, UCF CEO Chris Mkhize said ‘building successful collaborations with other sectors of society can be the start of leading together for a greater impact on our local communities’.
He said focusing on common purposes, sharing ideas, adopting an ecosystem mindset and leveraging partnerships were the keys to increased success.
‘We must think about issues, and not just about our own institutions.
‘We must look past ourselves to the purpose of our work and always keep in mind the people that we are trying to support,’ said Mkhize, who called the Foundation ‘a huge community asset that sets the trend for the rest of South Africa’.
Poverty grip
City Mayor, Cllr Mdu Mhlongo urged citizens to back the Foundation so that more recipients can benefit from grants.
‘Any person can do good, if not with cash then with your brains and ideas.
‘We are mindful of the extent of unemployment and struggle; but as long as we are alive there will also be those who give so that others can benefit.’
UCF Chairman Busisane Mathebula referred to the Foundation as ‘a small organisation with a huge impact’ and said two stratplan meetings held would give more direction to meeting socio-economic challenges.
‘The majority of our people are still gripped in poverty, and nobody should go to bed without food or shelter, so we should harness the resources within our communities,’ said Mathebula.
Donor recipients included:
eShowe Environmental Education Centre – R30 000
Lungelo Youth Development – R30 000
Shayamoya Community Creche – R20 000
uMhlathuze Creche – R35 000
Crossroads Educational Interventions – R30 000
Swana School and Assessment – R25 000
Sokhulu Ebenezer Creche – R15 000
Isibandesethu Agricultural Co-operative – R20 000
Tshalanathi Youth Project – R20 000
Nhlabosini Co-operative Limited – R40 000
Nazi-Disabled Multipurpose Co-operative – R30 000
uMthanduze Blocks Making Co-operative – R50 000
Rainbow Circle Organisation – R35 000
Amangwe Village Organic Food Garden Training – R25 000
