Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile said today that there cannot be a more noble cause than to serve the most destitute of our people in society when he symbolically handed over more than R4 million in Grant-in-Aid to 213 community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations based in the city.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank you as developmental partners for the work that you are doing on a number of fronts. Your sterling contribution does not go unnoticed and it is highly appreciated as we as local government cannot do everything for our people,” said Mayor Wayile to 30 invited organizations and special guests at the Port Elizabeth City Hall.
He furthermore reminded those in attendance that the municipality is named after Former President Nelson Mandela, the first African National Congress candidate elected to lead the country in 1994 that also marked the dawn of democracy.
“We must emulate the good work of this international icon,” he added.
Amongst those deserving organizations receiving Grant-in-Aid for the 2011/2012 financial year the largest allocation of R700 000 will go to Community Chest, R150 000 to the National Sea Rescue Institute, R100 000 to the African Scholar’s Fund, R90 000 goes to Lifesaving Eastern Cape, R75 000 to the Zwartkops Conservancy, R75 000 to the Eastern Province Rugby Union, the Northern Areas Football Association gets R75 000 and the Nelson Mandela Bay Netball Association R75 000.
The Al-Fidaa Foundation also receives R75 000, Rape Crisis Centre R75 000, Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra R75 000, SOS Children’s Village (PE) R75 000, Association for Persons with Disabilities (PE) R50 000, the South End Museum Trust R50 000 and the Aurora Special Care Centre can now continue their good work with a R40 000 allocation.
Cllr Joy Seale, Chairperson of the Grant-in-Aid Committee said 213 of the 253 applicants were successful as they submitted all the required documentation.
“The deadline was extended from 31 March 2012 to allow more organizations to apply for grants for the 2012/2013 financial year,” she added.
Budget and Financial Planning Chairman, Cllr Balu Naran, thanked the ratepayers of Nelson Mandela Bay for their contribution to the city’s coffers as the Grant-in-Aid funding is legislated to be 1,5% of revenue collected.
“Your diligent payments allow us to support these worthy causes,” he added.
Pam Lewis, Corporate Fundraiser of St Francis Hospice and Beulah Lumkwana, Chief Executive of Community Chest, thanked the municipality for the grants they received and agreed that every contribution makes a difference in efforts to uplift the impoverished and those in need of care and assistance.
Furthermore the Sinethemba Children’s Care Centre received R75 000, PE Childline and Family Centre R40 000, Nicro R30 000, Cerebral Palsy Association (EC) R30 000, Lifeline Port Elizabeth R25 000 and the St Francis Hospice Association R35 000 amongst others.
