Pinetown welfare hangs by a thin thread
The welfare society needs about R112 000 each month to fill the gap after it subsidy was cut down by the Department of Social Development.
THE financial struggle the Pinetown and Highway Child and Family Welfare Society is faced with has forced it to dig into its reserve money.
The NGO received a warning last year from the Department of Social Development about a cut in its subsidy.
“They gave us valid reasons, but that meant we had to let go of some auxiliary social workers which we could not do as their work is vital and there are so many areas we cover,” said Prof Siphiwe Nzimande, president of Pinetown and Highway Child and Family Welfare Society.
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The welfare society presently has a director, 17 social workers, 10 auxiliary social workers, five chief social workers and four assistant development workers. There are also three administration support staff and three general assistants.
“Each month, we are now forced to use about R112 000 in our reserve to close the gap which is wrong as every company should have this money should it close to pay off its debt.”
The welfare society services Impola, St Wendolins, Mariannridge, Wyebank, Mariannhill, Molweni, Embo, KwaNqetho, KwaNyuswa, KwaNgcolosi, Shallcross, Tshelimnyama, Burlington, Luganda, Savannah Park, Dassenhoek and Demat communities.
“Most of these areas are rural, informal settlements and semi-rural. The terrain is challenging as it is either self-made rural gravel roads or not regularly serviced roads. We cater for children from 0 to 11 years. Once they are 12, Social Development takes over,” said Nzimande.
Acting director, Sibongile Manyathi, said the society’s work includes protecting and caring for the children within and outside families.
“Work is increasing each time because of the AIDS epidemic and social economic circumstances. More and more people are coming to us for help. There are no jobs and people are hungry out there and most of the children are either orphans, abandoned, from child-headed homes or living with their grannies. We address child neglect and give women hope,” she said.
Manyathi said they truly appreciate the ongoing support from certain individuals, businesses and others. “We are grateful for everything they do for us and we are thankful. On Sunday, the Rotary Club of Pinetown collected food on our behalf outside Knowles SPAR.
Manyathi and Nzimande appealed for donors to come to the society’s aid and help them with funds so that they can continue their day-to-day work. Contact Manyathi on 031 701 0884 or 076 521 3159 or email: director@pinetownchildwelfare.co.za.
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