A non-profit organisation is one of 42 recipients earmarked for the City’s Grant in Aid funding in a bid to help it run sport and recreation; arts and culture and heritage programmes for vulnerable people.
OL Africa Media Foundation run by Karabo Thahane will receive an undisclosed amount of money from the City to help make it sustainable and continue to benefit the community.
Grant in Aid is an initiative of the Department of Community Development in which a certain amount of money is dispersed to assist struggling NGOs fund specific programmes which benefit children, young people senior citizens and people living with disabilities.
The annual Grant in Aid session was held recently for at least 42 recipients, who have made the cut for funding.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, said the City was confident those shortlisted for the grant were worthy recipients. “Even though the amount allocated might not be enough, it will hopefully make an impact on the beneficiaries,” said Sifumba.
Thahane was ecstatic to receive the news. “I am happy that the City saw the potential in our organisation. I am also happy that the grant that my organisation is earmarked for will benefit our project, which is youth led,” she said.
Sifumba reminded recipients to use the grant responsibly and to comply with the conditions set. “Please use this grant appropriately and submit expected reports. If you choose not to submit reports, you are not only doing injustice to your organisation but you’re also putting this programme at risk of being discontinued,” she explained.
Chairperson of the Grant in Aid Committee and the City’s Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Vuyisile Mshudulu appealed to NGOs to collaborate with other organisations to help grow their programmes and reach.
“It gives me great pleasure to work with you in delivering programmes to our communities. This talks to the commitment that Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba made to improve the provision of services. When Joburg works, South Africa works,” said Cllr Sifumba.
