Foundation celebrates milestone
UCF 'family' celebrates 15 years of community service
IT was a double celebration for the uThungulu Community Foundation (UCF) last week when their AGM on Friday was preceded by a 15-year birthday ‘family’ party the previous evening.
Keynote speaker Louis van Zyl, first chairman of the Foundation, presented a talk on the origin of the UCF.
‘It brings back many memories of the achievements of the Zululand Chamber Business Foundation (ZCBF) and the establishing of the Community Park,’ said Van Zyl.
‘In essence, the ZCBF played the role of a developmental catalyst by facilitating joint ventures and partnerships.
‘The uThungulu Community Foundation came about when we saw the opportunity to establish a grant-making body here in Zululand in 1997.
‘We then contacted the South African Grant Makers Association (SAGA) to help.
‘On their first visit, the Ford Foundation – SAGA’s main donor – accompanied them and the Ford representative informed me he had money left on his budget and if we could put together a proposal and get a steering committee together, he would fast-track our application before leaving the country.
‘Needless to say, within hours we constructed an application according to their criteria and appointed a diverse steering committee – which was an important component of this application.
‘The application was presented to the Ford Foundation Board in New York and 48 hours later an amount of $500 000 was approved to be paid over five years as ‘kick start money’ for the UCF .
‘After that the Billiton Development Trust also pledged R3 000 000 over three years.
Proud record
‘The uThungulu Foundation was officially launched in July 1999 and the first official Board of Trustees, with 10 members, was elected and the UCF became an independent juristic body.
‘At the launch, patron King Goodwill Zwelithini said he saw in the UCF a return of the principals of traditional wealth which characterised a time when community members cared for one another.
‘It has now been more than 15 years since that day, and with pride we celebrate this milestone tonight,’ said Van Zyl.
‘The UCF has a proven track record under the leadership of Chris Mkhize since 2001.
‘It is important that their Board lobby with Government to legislate Community Foundations in this country, so that tax rebates can be claimed for donations.
‘The UCF must also establish a Trust to protect a fund for future generations – therefore only use the proceeds of this Capital Fund to do re-granting and cover administration costs.’
Commitment call
At the function, UCF Chairman Busisane Mathebula thanked guests for the support, guidance and advice, ‘without which the foundation would simply cease to exist’.
‘We believe that sustainable community development can only be achieved through collaborative efforts and joint initiatives.
‘Through your contributions we are able to reach out to more community-based organisations that do excellent work among our local people.
‘Working together in unity there is greater strength, and while many are making huge efforts, other private sector organisations must join in addressing local social ills like crime, drugs, unemployment and poverty.’
