THANKS to sound fiscal control, the Uthungulu Community Foundation (UCF) was on Friday able to issue grants totalling R505 000 to recipients representing 21 local organisations.
Speaking at the UCF AGM and grant-issuing function held at ZCBF on Friday, uMhlathuze Mayor, Cllr Elphas Mbatha, warned the recipients they have the responsibility to ensure their projects are sustainable.
‘Civic organisations are the key to the nation’s prosperity,’ said Mbatha.
‘We need to work beyond past inequalities to ensure poorer communities are helped.
‘It starts with entrepreneurs and energetic, skilled young people, which is why we have partnered with FET colleges.
‘The people must take charge of South Africa; the government cannot absorb all the unemployed.
‘One can start with a small garden project and end up becoming commercial farmers, selling vegetables to institutions like hospitals and prisons.
‘There is plenty of fallow land available for agriculture.
‘The Foundation has for 15 years helped citizens to do things for themselves, and the City pledges assistance wherever we can.’
Tax benefits
UCF Chairman, Busisane Mathebula, said while the organisation had come a long way since its establishment in 1999, there still remained many challenges.
‘We are not yet in the promised land; many are still in the grip of poverty.
‘We need more donors, especially since our overseas funding is no longer guaranteed – and we knew they would not be with us forever.
‘As a public benefit organisation we can now issue certificates so that donors can claim from SARS.
‘And if you cannot donate financially, we also need moral and public support.’
Having received a clean, unqualified audit, Mathebula said the UCF’s strong financial position enabled them to face the future positively.
Grants were issued at the AGM to the following organisations:
Nawezifunze Disabled R30 000;
Sibusisiwe Community Creche R20 000
Mthanduze Blocks making Co-op R 25 000
Swana School and Assessment centre R 15 000
Inyonikayiphumuli woman’s sewing project R 15 000
Hlengimpilo Community Care centre R 30 000
Siyaphila Co-op R90 000
Isivande Sethu Agricultural Co-op R15 000
Slindokuhle Crèche R 10 000
Davulution Agriculture primary co-op R 25 000
Shaya Golf R15 000
Mningi Crèche R15 000
Tshala Nathi youth project R15 000
Inkosi Sihawukele R20 000
Siyanqoba Crèche R 30 000
Mhlathuze Crèche R 20 000
Fantocy Crèche R20 000
Rainbow Circle R20 000
Mathusalem Clothing R 20 000
Enqoleni Education Centre R25 000
Lethulwazi Project R 30 000
this is actually amazing