Masakhane - People Working Together

Objectives include: immediate relief for those with nothing, the creation of sustainable jobs, replacing drugs with sport, informing people of their rights, registration of all the orphans, arranging for Home Affairs to assist the community with their documentation, corresponding with Water Affairs to investigate the water shortages in Mooiplaas and surrounding areas (the water is currently directly from the river), regular HIV/AIDS campaigns, and to ensure that Ebuhleni Primary is owned by the community.

Innovation

As a primary school, the aim is not only to develop learners holistically, but also to involve different Departments and the private sector to try and curb poverty, and to build the community by starting entrepreneurial businesses. The youth are given a goal to work for, and are now introduced to sporty lifestyles. Infrastructure (including water) is being bettered.

Effectiveness

There has been job creation through a nursery that is in its first phase of operations. The nearest nursery is 250 km away, so this one is in demand. 100 000 seedlings have been requested for cultivation, as well as orange and nut trees. Litsembaletfu Business has enabled local entrepreneurs to plan for a store in Mooiplaas, supplying all the schools with uniforms which are affordable, but are of good quality. The business can expand to provide more jobs. A Peace Garden is underway as well, and the whole community is set to benefit from it. Poverty Relief assists families via immediate relief, and later through permanent assistance from government. Community members now have ID's and birth certificates. Sport participation also takes place, not only locally, but also regionally and provincially. PARE - Linking Peace and Anti-Racism Education with the curriculum helped to redress problems of the past. It shows an alternative to violence. 10% will gain financially from job creation. 34 schools will benefit from visiting the nursery and agriculture project. Total costs thus far include: toilets and water tanks - R52 000 donated, Nursery - R20 000 donated, Peace Garden - The amount that will be sponsored is still unknown to us. Telephone and Transport - out of pocket expenses.

Poverty Impact

The folling effects have been felt: provision of food, provision of clothes, supply of means to plant vegetables, attending to personal documents, promoting entrepreneurial businesses, awareness of grants available, and guiding community members in how to apply.

Sustainability

Both our entrepreneurial businesses are sustainable and operate effectively. It will grow from strength to strength. There is much excitement in the community about the projects. Only financial constraints are holding the project back from much needed expansion.

Replication

This is possible because, although each community is unique, many rural communities in the country face the same challenges. People must be motivated to be self-sufficient. Land care issues need to be addressed in many rural areas. Nurseries can benefit any community. The main constraints would be finding sponsorships by lobbying and networking with the public and government.


Partnerships:

• National Government - Dept of Water Affairs
• Provincial Government - Education, Agriculture
• Local Government - Health and Welfare, Sport and Recreation, Home Affairs
• NGOs - Umtapo, (Leap 100% funds)
• Consultants - Agriculture, Leap
• CBO/s - Shops, Local Business Private Individuals (80% funds).
• Private Sector - Nestle Pty (100% funds)
• Other - Churches