The majority of the working class regard paying government taxes as an inevitable burden. However, imagine paying government taxes as well as another form of tax to fund development in struggling countries.
Well, this is the case with the generous people of Japan who have been contributing a portion of their earnings to the Embassy of Japan in South Africa. The money is earmarked for helping non-profit organisations that are making a difference in struggling communities in all corners of this country.
In an effort to help alleviate the burden many NPOs face, delegates from the Embassy heeded the call from a well-known organisation based in the heart of Zandspruit. It has been struggling to keep its lights on due to issues surrounding power supply in the informal settlement.
Through their Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme, the Embassy of Japan donated a solar power system worth R722 641 to ensure that the electricity troubles were resolved.
The official handover was done during a brief ceremony at Emthonjeni on Monday, 27 January. It was attended by delegates from the Embassy, including Mr Masahiro Nagira, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in South Africa, and his assistant, and a grateful Ward 114 councillor Victor Mafinya.
A vividly pleased Louise Rivett, the managing director of Emthonjeni, could not be happier because the numerous projects in the centre would no longer be halted by power supply interruptions. She said, “The centre has been in Zandspruit for 18 years, but since 2018 we have been experiencing a serious challenge with our electricity infrastructure. It has been very hard on the community and the centre.”
Louise explained that the centre relies heavily upon electricity supply as they run various projects, ranging from offering computers classes, running a kitchen and bakery, to sewing. Optimistic about the future, Louise expressed their gratitude to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which assisted them to connect with the Embassy of Japan.
With the centre having more projects in the pipeline, such as launching a second clinic in Zandspruit, installing a second borehole for adequate water supply and building a hall, Louise proposed to the Embassy that the money left over from the solar power project be used to complete the remaining phases of the other important projects. She also vowed to protect this new infrastructure with help from the community, private security and the police.
During the handover, Nagira made it obvious that this donation wasn’t a mistake. “Upon hearing the good work the centre does by serving and empowering the people of the Zandspruit community, the Embassy of Japan was eager to partner with Emthonjeni for this project,” he said.
Nagira viewed the lack of basic services in modern society as a crisis to basic human needs. With funding limiting their ability to assist the entire community, the ambassador added, “It is difficult for us to cover this huge community through our grant, but we were able to assist the community hub, which is Emthonjeni, hoping that this project will contribute to the sustainable development of the community of Zandspruit. I trust that the centre will continue to empower people on grassroots level in a manner that is fair and without prejudice,” he explained.
Prior to the conclusion, the delegates mixed with the pre-school children at the centre for a bit of singing and dancing.
Nariga concluded by inviting registered NPOs to approach the Embassy for funding. “The last day to submit your applications for funding is 21 February. You need to contact the Embassy and submit the documents required for the application, such as your project plan,” he explained.
To learn more about the funding models by the Embassy of Japan visit https://www.za.emb-japan.go.jp.
