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16 days
NewsUncategorised

30 years after Beijing, it’s time to end violence against women and girls

For the next sixteen (16) days from today, activists and organisations around the world draw attention to an injustice  holding societies back — violence against women. Together with our partners, the Southern Africa Trust is taking part in this campaign by making the call to end all forms of violence and abuse against women.

In particular, we are turning the spotlight on the world of care work, exposing the vulnerabilities and dangers faced by workers in the care economy, majority of whom are women. Our partner in South Africa, Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance (IDWA), will spotlight  the unique challenges of domestic workers to harassment, bullying and violence at work.

In Malawi, the Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC), will raise awareness on labour relations within the care work industry by highlighting how workplace injustices disproportionately affect women within “informal” and “semi-formal” business sectors.

The Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW) will draw attention to and encourage action against gender-based violence (GBV) by promoting a culture of zero tolerance towards violence against women in Zambia.

In Zimbabwe, a consortium of four organisations led by the Economic Justice for Women Project (EJWP) will spotlight GBV in the education sector, particularly within rural education institutions. In addition, the consortium will also advocate for the safety and empowerment of female students in tertiary institutions across Zimbabwe. The other organisations part of this consortium are the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), the Female Students Network Trust (FSNT) and the Southern Africa Parliamentary Trust (SAPST).

Speaking ahead of the launch of the campaign, Southern Africa Trust CEO, Alice D. Kanengoni said: “Gender inequality and gender-based violence remain prevalent across southern Africa. As a result of gender discrimination and lower socio-economic status, women have fewer options and resources at their disposal to avoid or escape abusive situations and to seek justice. There is a need for action by all stakeholders in this region to effectively develop and implement clear actions to prevent, combat, and end its occurrence.”

The campaign will run until 10 December and will culminate in a regional dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa. The campaign is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in South Africa and the Ford Foundation.

About the Southern Africa Trust

Established in 2005, the Southern Africa Trust (The Trust) is a non-profit regional organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and inequality across sixteen countries in Southern Africa. Acting as both a regranting and implementing entity, we collaborate closely with civil society organizations to forge partnerships that shift power towards pro-poor policies and practices.

Vacancy
CareersNews

Graduate Research Associates: Terms Of Reference

Role: Graduate Research Associates to conduct mapping and scoping civil society organizations (CSOs) in Southern Africa for the Southern Africa Trust over a 2 Weeks period.

1. Introduction

The Southern Africa Trust (SAT) is uniquely positioned as an African independent organization, established in 2005, working in all 16 countries in Southern African Development Community (SADC). We directly implement interventions as well as regrant resources on the social justice sector, in our ambition to contribute towards intersectional contemporary challenges at the intersections of gender justice, social policy, climate change and natural resource governance, economic justice and social protection; and youth engagement primarily in southern Africa. We are also a well-reputed fiscal agent with a track record of making and managing strategic grants to and for a wide range of civic formations in southern Africa, primarily to support and strengthen the voice and agency of community and local organizations in pro-poor policy dialogues. We lead advocacy interventions, and partner to collaborate with others to champion systemic change through innovative approaches such as capacity enhancement support of CSO formations, movement-building as well as convening spaces and building networks and coalitions on public policy issues on poverty and inequality.

2. Project Background

The civic landscape in Southern Africa faces significant threats to democracy, human rights, and social justice due to systemic challenges that are destabilizing the region. These challenges include growing resistance to democratic values, driven by anti-rights groups, polarizing politics, and the rise of far-right ideologies that erode democratic norms and undermine civil liberties. Additionally, religious fundamentalism and increasing corporate influence, in collaboration with some governments, are restricting freedoms and exacerbating inequalities, which in turn compromises social justice.

Civil society organizations in the region, including think tanks, community-based organizations (CBOs), diaspora-led organizations, faith-based organizations, NGOs, human rights defenders, individual activists and so on play a critical role in advocating for democracy and inclusive growth. However, the CSO ecosystem is overstretched, under-resourced, and often fragmented. These limitations, coupled with skewed power dynamics within the sector, have hindered the ability of CSOs to effectively respond to complex, multi-layered challenges. Southern Africa Trust leads this initiative to provide opportunities for the region’s civil society to reimagine its role, strengthen partnerships, and reorganize itself to better respond to the changing socio-political and economic environment.

3. Scope of Work

As a Graduate Research Associate, you will engage in a comprehensive mapping and scoping exercise of the CSO ecosystem in Southern Africa. This project offers an opportunity to work closely with community organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and activists. The data collected through mapping and scoping CSOs in Southern Africa will inform the development a detailed agenda background paper that will inform Post COVID scenarios for CSOs agenda setting.

4. Expected deliverables:

  • Conduct a baseline assessment of the CSO landscape in 16 Southern Africa countries. 
  • Carry out scoping exercises to identify gaps and map CSOs, including think tanks, community-based organizations, diaspora-led groups, faith-based organizations, and NGOs. 
  • Engage with stakeholders through consultations and fieldwork, gathering qualitative and quantitative data. 
  • Report to the Trust within stipulated time.
  • Collaborate with the Trust’s regional team, participating in regular progress meetings and reporting updates. 

5. Minimum Requirements

Educational Qualification:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in development studies, social sciences, law, economics, geography, or a related field. 
  • A postgraduate qualification in relevant field will be an added advantage.
Experience:
  • Demonstrated interest or involvement in the civic society sector or community-based projects.
  • Previous research or fieldwork experience will be an added advantage.
Skills:
  • Strong research, data collection, and analytical skills.
  • Proficiency in English (additional SADC languages are an advantage).
  • Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., GIS) is an added benefit.
Commitment:
  • A strong passion for social justice, democracy, and development issues in Southern Africa.

What We Offer

  • A stipend in line with SAT remuneration policy.
  • Logistical support for field visits, workshops, and office space for in-country missions (if required).
  • An opportunity to build networks, develop skills, and gain experience in a regional initiative with a reputable organization.
  • A chance to contribute to meaningful work that strengthens civil society’s role in sustainable development and democracy in Southern Africa.

Application Process

To apply, qualified candidates should submit:

  1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
  2. A cover letter explaining their suitability for the role.
  3. A writing sample demonstrating analytical and communication skills.
  4. Contact information for three professional references.

Applications should be submitted to recruitment@southernafricatrust.org by 30 November 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

The Southern Africa Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Projects Coordinator
CareersNews

Consultant: Projects Coordinator

About the Southern Africa Trust

The Southern Africa Trust is uniquely positioned as an African independent organization, established in 2005, working in all 16 countries in SADC. The Trust is implementing three concurrent and interwoven projects aimed at strengthening the civic ecosystem across southern Africa so that it better connects local grassroot/community struggles to national, regional, continental, and global agendas.

We are seeking the services of a Consultant/Projects Coordinator to manage and deliver on these projects over a 2-year period. The Consultant will report to The Operations Manager and their responsibilities will include:

  • Providing technical leadership and expertise on civic space, human rights, institutional development, and regional integration issues.
  • Developing knowledge products, policy briefs, and research outputs on civic engagement and social justice concerns.
  • Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and policy engagement processes
  • Projects Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL).
  • Financial management, monitoring and ensuring project compliance with donor requirements and organisational policies.
  • External engagement and representing The Trust in relevant forums and networks.

Required Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
  • In-depth knowledge of civil society, human rights, and regional integration issues in Southern Africa.
  • Excellent facilitation and capacity building skills.
  • Strong analytical and research capabilities.
  • Financial management and budgeting expertise.
  • Proficiency in monitoring, evaluation, and learning methodologies.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of French or Portuguese is an advantage.
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and project management software.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Master’s degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Human Rights, or related field.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in project management in the non-profit sector in Southern Africa.
  • Demonstrated experience working on civil society strengthening, human rights, and regional integration projects in Southern Africa.
  • Strong track record in institutional development and organizational accompaniment.
  • Experience in managing donor-funded projects and complying with diverse reporting requirements.
  • Proven ability to produce high-quality research outputs and policy briefs.

Duration and Location

  • This will be a 2-year contract, with a strong possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

  • Based at Southern Africa Trust in Johannesburg, with frequent travel to project countries.

To apply, qualified candidates should submit:

  1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
  2. A cover letter explaining their suitability for the role.
  3. A writing sample demonstrating analytical and communication skills.
  4. Contact information for three professional references.

Applications should be submitted to recruitment@southernafricatrust.org by 31 October 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

The Southern Africa Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are Hiring 2
CareersNews

Finance and Admin Manager

We are seeking an experienced Finance and Administration Manager to be a key driver in advancing our Trust’s mission. As a member of the Management Team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial sustainability and operational effectiveness of our impactful programmes.

About the Southern Africa Trust

At the Southern Africa Trust, we work to strengthen the voice and agency of poor people in policy processes to reduce poverty and inequality in southern Africa. Established in 2005, the Trust works in expansive civil society engagements in national and regional policy processes to ensure the voices of the poor are heard, and that they influence policies to end poverty. To learn more about our organisation and our mandate go to: https://southernafricatrust.org/.

If you’re a finance professional with a passion for change, we want to hear from you!

What you will do in this role:

Lead and inspire the finance and administration functions, shaping the future of our Trust through strategic financial planning, risk management and budget management; contribute to the development and execution of the Trust’s strategic direction by aligning financial and administrative operations with organisational goals; lead the financial planning process, oversee accounting functions, and ensure efficient resource allocation to support The Trust’s mission; provide timely, accurate, and insightful financial reports that guide decision-making, ensuring transparency and compliance with donor and regulatory requirements; offer expert financial guidance and support to country programmes, ensuring smooth financial operations and the development of sound financial practices; lead and mentor the finance and administration team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

What we are looking for:

  • A visionary leader with a strategic mindset who can navigate complex financial landscapes with ease.
  • Post Graduate degree in Finance or Accounting, CIMA or ACA or a similar field.
  • At least 8 years of experience in a similar position, with at least 5 years at management level, and 3 years auditing experience.
  • Knowledge of financial management principles and financial systems.
  • Exceptional people management & organisational skills, the ability to foster collaboration across diverse teams, programmes and external stakeholders.
  • Exceptional accountability and ethical conduct.
  • Strong understanding of the socio-political landscape of Southern Africa.

To learn more about each role and specifications: Click here  to access the job description.
Classification: Three-year Fixed term contract (with possibility for renewal)
Remuneration: The Trust will provide a competitive remuneration package for all staff.
Location: Regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa preferred. Applicants must possess the legal right to work in South Africa.

The Trust is an organisation that promotes inclusivity and particularly encourage young people and women to be part of the team. To apply please submit a cover letter that illustrates your suitability for the role and your curriculum vitae as a single PDF document and email to recruitment@southernafricatrust.org. Please include the full position title you are applying for in the email subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The Southern Africa Trust reserves the right to modify this job advert or not to make an appointment.

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will stop accepting submissions once we have identified suitable candidates for interviews. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply early, as the position may close without prior notice.

PR Officer
CareersNews

Partnerships & Resourcing Officer

Are you skilled in the art of forging meaningful connections and securing resources for impactful change? Join us, where you’ll have the opportunity to cultivate strategic partnerships and mobilize resources that fuel our mission. If you’re passionate about turning vision into action, we invite you to be part of a driving force behind our work.

About the Southern Africa Trust

At the Southern Africa Trust, we work to strengthen the voice and agency of poor people in policy processes to reduce poverty and inequality in southern Africa. Established in 2005, the Trust works in expansive civil society engagements in national and regional policy processes to ensure the voices of the poor are heard, and that they influence policies to end poverty. To learn more about our organisation and our mandate go to: https://southernafricatrust.org/.

We are looking for a  dedicated and experienced individual who is passionate about driving positive change to join the team as the Partnerships and Resourcing Officer

What you will do in this role:

Develop and implement the Trust’s resource mobilisation and partnerships strategy to secure vital funding and strengthen collaborations; manage donors and strategic partner relationships cultivation and engagement including facilitating business and partnerships continuation initiatives; build capacity internally and externally; engage closely with staff and the Board, providing technical advisory on resource mobilisation and partnerships management across country programmes; act as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders, ensuring smooth coordination of activities; administration of partnerships agreements, reporting timelines, and communications; provide detailed management reports on resource mobilisation and partnerships, ensuring transparency and accountability to key stakeholders and collaborate with the communications function to tell powerful stories that inspire our partners and donors.

What we are looking for:

  • A passion for social justice and the power of communication to drive change.
  • Degree in B. Com fundraising and partnerships, development studies or a similar field.
  •  At least 5 years experience in a fundraising and partnerships development role.
  • Proven experience in resource mobilisation and partnerships management.
  • Knowledge of entrepreneurial approaches in developing funding streams.
  • A natural networker with strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tell the Trust’s story in a compelling way.
  • Ability to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, including the Board and staff.
  • Strong understanding of the socio-political landscape of Southern Africa.
  • Exceptional proposal writing, editing, and presentation skills.

To learn more about each role and specifications: Click here to access the job description.

Classification: Three-year Fixed term contract (with possibility for renewal).

Remuneration: The Trust will provide a competitive remuneration package for all staff.

Location: Regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa, preferred. Applicants must possess the legal right to work in South Africa. 

The Trust is an organisation that promotes inclusivity and particularly encourage young people and women to be part of the team. To apply please submit a cover letter that illustrates your suitability for the role and your curriculum vitae as a single PDF document and email to recruitment@southernafricatrust.org.  Please include the full position title you are applying for in the email subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The Southern Africa Trust reserves the right to modify this job advert or not to make an appointment.  

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will stop accepting submissions once we have identified suitable candidates for interviews. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply early, as the position may close without prior notice.

We Are Hiring
Uncategorised

Programmes Officer

Are you passionate about making a real difference in communities by building long-term, impactful programmes? If so, we want YOU to be part of our mission “The Southern Africa Trust is on a mission to activate the agency and to amplify the voices of the most impoverished across the SADC region.”

About the Southern Africa Trust

At the Southern Africa Trust, we work to strengthen the voice and agency of poor people in policy processes to reduce poverty and inequality in southern Africa. Established in 2005, the Trust works in expansive civil society engagements in national and regional policy processes to ensure the voices of the poor are heard, and that they influence policies to end poverty. To learn more about our organisation and our mandate go to: https://southernafricatrust.org/.

We are looking for a dynamic, experienced and passionate Programmes Officer to join our team.

What you will do in this role:

As a Programmes Officer, you will be at the heart of our work, providing essential programme and administrative support to our country office. You’ll collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external partners to ensure we meet our mission of lasting change in the country. You will be responsible for designing, planning, and implementing programmes that tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality, ensuring sustainable impact. Building and maintaining strong partnership relationships with key stakeholders, developing systems and processes for partnerships and grant management, capacity building, working hand-in-hand with communities and partners to drive progress. Participating in resourcing mobilisation, developing proposals and engaging in fundraising efforts needed to fuel transformative change. Supporting the development of the country operational plans, budget preparation, financial, monitoring, reporting and ensuring compliance with organisational standards.

What we are looking for:

  •  A passion for social justice, development and making a difference in communities.
  • Tertiary qualification in any of the following areas Humanities, Human rights, Gender justice, Women’s rights, Political economy, Climate change and related social justice concerns.
  • At least 4 years experience in programme design, planning and implementation.
  • Knowledge of gender intersectionality, social and gender justice rights.
  • Strong understanding of the socio-political landscape of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Southern Africa.
  • Excellent communication, partnership development and resourcing skills.
  • Experience working in the non-profit or development sector.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • An innovative mindset with a creative flair.

To learn more about the role and specifications: (see attached job description)
Classification: Two-year contract (with possibility for renewal)
Remuneration: The Trust will provide a competitive remuneration package
Location: Preferably in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Applicants must possess the legal right to work in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The Trust is an organisation that promotes inclusivity and particularly encourage young people and women to be part of the team. To apply please submit a cover letter that illustrates your suitability for the role and your curriculum vitae as a single PDF document and email to recruitment@southernafricatrust.org. Please include the full position title you are applying for in the email subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The Southern Africa Trust reserves the right to modify this job advert or not to make an appointment.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will stop accepting submissions once we have identified suitable candidates for the selection process. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply early, as the position may close without prior notice.

Invitation (4)
Climate Justice & Natural Resource ManagementNews

Dialogue – Empowering African Youth for the fight against impacts of Climate Change

The Southern Africa Trust in partnership with the Climate Justice Just Transition Donor Collaborative (CJ-JT) and Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYOF) is hosting a webinar to explore how we can support a unified Africa youth voice at COP28.

Please click here to read profiles of the speakers.

Register here!

Presentation
Uncategorised

Advancing Climate Justice & Accountable Natural Resource Governance in Southern Africa

On the 21st and 22nd of February 2023, our partners from Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe joined us in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a regional dialogue. Our work with them is advancing climate justice and advocating for accountable natural resource governance.

The interlinkage between natural resources and the impacts of climate change is central to people’s lives and livelihoods in Southern Africa.
We are collaborating on implementing initiatives that focus on building agency and advocating for policy shifts. This will ensure that local communities, civil society organizations and human rights defenders are working collectively to protect their lands and livelihoods from destruction, and to hold the extractive sector accountable for the delivery of equitable benefits

Alice
News

Announcing the new Chief Executive Officer

The Southern Africa Trust’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that it has appointed Ms Alice D. Kwaramba – Kanengoni as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective 2nd September 2022. The appointment follows an extensive search and selection process with candidates from across the Africa region. Ms Kwaramba- Kanengoni is an enterprising, self-driven and highly motivated Senior Executive, a SADC citizen who is driven to contribute meaningfully towards social justice on the African continent, and globally with solid years of work experience.

She joins the Trust following 18 years with the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), where she held a variety of executive management, programme and project leadership roles with most recent, Senior Manager: Strategy, Accountability and Learning. Lauded across organizations for her impeccable leadership on gender equality strategy and programme design, programme management, grant-making and impact assessment. She holds the distinction of successfully leading the design and implementation of strategic programs for betterment of marginalized groups, especially women in Africa. Designed and successfully delivered short, medium & long-term strategies, programs and projects on gender equality, social justice and human rights in the global South.

“The Board of Trustees are delighted to introduce Ms Kwaramba – Kanengoni to our key stakeholders and partners, we believe she is a great fit for the Trust with the combination of education qualifications, skills and experience to grow the Trust into an even greater, more successful and impactful organisation”, said the Board Chairperson.  

Please join the Board of Trustees in welcoming Ms Alice D. Kwaramba – Kanengoni to the Trust.

Sincerely

Sazini Mojapelo
Chairperson 

8529ea00-inkedgarden-environment-pics-3_li-768×480
News

SA Trust partners with community foundations to overcome challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic

The Southern Africa Trust is a regional organisation that supports citizen engagement by generating relevant knowledge to inform policy discussions. It facilitates partnerships between policymakers, civil society and private sector groups for joint action to advance the pro-poor development agenda.

It also mobilises and builds agency among the poor, marginalised and vulnerable groups for their voices to be heard in policy dialogue and the ability to hold governments to account. The Southern Africa Trust programme covers the following areas: climate change and natural resource management, gender justice, youth, economic recovery and Covid-19.

With support from Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, SA Trust is working with community foundations in Southern Africa. These are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in defined local geographical areas. With a spike in poverty levels, unemployment, and loss of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of community foundation has gained more significance in identifying and solving community problems.

In South Africa, SA Trust is working with Community Development Foundation Western Cape (CDF-WC), Initiative for Community Advancement (ICA), Cederberg Social Development Foundation (CSDF), Namkawa Ontwikkeling (NAMKO) and Uthungulu Community Foundation (UCF).

CDF manages to keep their doors open

The Community Development Foundation (CDF) Western Cape is looking forward to a sustainable future after forging a partnership with the Southern Africa Trust.

Executive Director of CDF Western Cape Freda Philander said the foundation, which has the vision “to ensure that ordinary people living in the Western Cape are provided the opportunity to identify their potential, set appropriate goals and achieve extraordinary dreams”, managed to keep its doors open amid the donor funding crisis that came with the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020. A grant from SA Trust came in the nick of time, as international donors were withdrawing funds from community development organisation at the height of the pandemic.

“In South Africa a lockdown was announced in March 2020, and that is when all the donor support was either cancelled, or they exited. Fundraising initiatives were also either aborted or postponed due to lockdown, so there was a possibility that CDF would close in September 2020. SA Trust came in as a partner and gave us a much-needed grant of R300 000, which was made in two tranches. SA Trust helped us with institutional strengthening and put us back on track,” said Philander.

CDF Western Cape works with 13 other local community-based organisations (CBOs) in Delft, Hanover Park, Heideveld, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Seawinds and Atlantis, which in turn reaped positive spinoffs from SA Trust’s grant.

By keeping its doors open, CDF was able to provide grants to local community partners, which went towards feeding schemes in the communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. This opened avenues to the local CBOs to raise funds and forge partnerships for sustainability with other donors.

“In Delft, Masithembele Enrichment Centre joined Food Forward, which provides them with monthly food contributions that reach 80 families. They continue to feed about 4 000 children and adults per month from contributions received through local community giving,” Philander said.

“The Alcardo Andrews Foundation in Hanover Park forged further partnerships and managed to feed 8 900 people in the morning and 1 151 in the evening with warm meals. Due to the Covid-19 relief grant made by CDF Western Cape, the Children Resource Centre was able to attract the attention of some donors that gave them more funding, which allowed them to feed 60 children in 11 areas in the Western Cape for three days per week,” she said.

The charitable foundation’s aim is to continue to support communities while taking care not to strip them of their agency. “It’s about demonstrating the strength and power of, by and for the community. It was and still is the trust relationships built over many years, which continue carrying the foundation through crises,” she said.

Philander added that CDF envisaged an ongoing partnership and collaboration with SA Trust, in the form of “focused and meaningful dialogues on social justice and the alleviation of poverty, horizontal philanthropy, peer training and support”.

Namakwa community fell into hard times

Southern Africa Trust has helped several non-profit organisations (NPOs) in the Northern and Western Cape to navigate the unprecedented difficulties that came with Covid-19, with positive spinoffs for dozens of local communities.

SA Trust has assisted local NPOs involved in community development with capacity building in addition to financial support. Namakwa Ontwikkeling (NAMKO) — a community outreach foundation in Okiep — was on the verge of closing down after 28 years of supporting local communities.

SA Trust has provided financial support to NAMKO, which helps the Namakwa community in Okiep

NAMKO’s Brendon Andrews said SA Trust gave them R425 000 at a time when funding from overseas donors was running dry because of the Covid-19 crisis.

“We are the oldest organisation based in this area. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many other small organisations closed down. They got some of their funds from overseas donors, but during the Covid-19 crisis, those overseas companies and donors withdrew their funding from South Africa, and used it in their own countries,” said Andrews.

“SA Trust first supported us with R250 000, then added another transfer of R108 560; the last one was R65 000. But when we also consider training and non-financial support, it adds up to a lot.”

According to Andrews, who is now 40, and has been working with the community since he was 14, NAMKO has three programmes: Inspired Women, Food Sovereignty and the Youth Programme. It aims to address gender-based violence, food security and over-indebtedness respectively with the three programmes.

The Namakwa community fell into hard times after a copper mine that supplied the bulk of employment in the area closed down in the 1990s. The community was then beset with debt, substance abuse and gender-based violence, along with other social ills symptomatic of unemployment and poverty.

NAMKO sadly lost director Quinta Titus recently, and training exchanges facilitated by SA Trust helped them focus on succession planning. “We are busy fundraising, so that we can set up certain targets for certain issues in our community. For gender-based violence, which is a huge factor around here, we’ve established the Quinton Titus Response Fund. But we’re also not just focusing on GBV; we would like other organisations in the community to apply for funding.”

Andrews said the aid that SA Trust has provided NAMKO will have a positive ripple effect on the communities, as the NPO aims to pay it forward to frontline organisations, to empower them and to mitigate the effect of the donor drain.

Youth recreational centres for drug and substance abuse
A rural-based foundation was able to help people who lost their jobs due to Covid-19 lockdowns start their own businesses, after receiving funds from Southern Africa Trust (SA Trust).

According to Jeremy Maarman, Founder and Director of Initiative for Community Advancement (ICA), the foundation received R260 000 in funding from SA Trust, in addition to non-financial support.

The ICA in Bergrivier is among the many beneficiaries of SA Trust

“SA Trust has been supporting us since 2019 as a capacity-building partner. In 2020 they funded three of our staff members to attend courses at Wits for institutional development. They invested R260 000 in our projects; that funding was received in October 2020.”

The ICA is a small-scale funder of community projects, situated in Piketberg in the Bergrivier municipal area of the Western Cape. The foundation has two active funds: the Bergrivier Youth Fund and the Community Rebuilding Fund.

Anzita Booys received funding from the ICA’s Community Rebuilding Fund, which helped her get back on her feet after she lost her job due to Covid-19 lockdowns.

“I worked for five years at PPC kiosk and due to lockdowns in 2020, I lost my job. I decided I must make a plan. Where was I to get a job during lockdowns?”

Boots used her passion for catering and experience to start her own business. “I registered my business Zita’s Foods and started selling take-aways and platters, and provided catering services. Then I heard that ICA supports small businesses, and I applied for funding.”

Booys got R8 000 funding from ICA and used it to buy equipment and stock. “I bought a deep freezer, a mini oven and groceries, then I got a tender at the PPC kiosk and I am now the owner. It’s almost a year now, and thanks to ICA I am open for business.”

Maarman said the ICA has community-affiliated funds and fund-raises locally. Those funds are distributed for local community issues.

“One of the biggest issues in the rural communities ICA serves is unemployment, which mostly affects young people. The Berg Youth Fund develops youth locally and provides soft skills development and recreational workshops. Idleness can lead to negative behaviours. Drug abuse and substance abuse are huge in our area,” he said.

ICA also has an education fund supported by a dentist who is originally from the Bergrivier area. “Sometimes it is too late to invest in university education for youths. When they go from rural areas to the big city, they can easily be enticed into drugs, and disappear in the system.“The Doctor Somers Education Fund supports beneficiaries from primary school and takes them to well-resourced high schools that offer better quality schooling and career guidance. This allows them to choose subjects in line with their abilities, to curb the high university dropout rate. The support needs to come early on.”

The ICA’s current focus is on getting members of the rural communities in the West Coast to become more actively involved in their own development processes. “We have a contract with SA Trust until September 2021, and we are hopeful their support will continue for another three years,” said Maarman.

Source : Mail & Guardian