Social ‘safety net’ needs your support

FOR the last few years, South Coast non-government organisations like Ziphakamise have been feeling the pinch.

Global recession has resulted in the reduction of overseas and local funding and the depressed South African economy means that more Southern KwaZulu-Natal people are needing helping hands. Although Ziphakamise’s chief executive Bishop Lulamile Bodla and the board of directors have had to cut costs considerably, they have reason to be proud.

After 38 years of existence the Christian-based social and development organisation is still empowering communities and operating as an effective social safety net. This is thanks to continuing support from the community, organisations like National Lottery and uBuntu Community Chest, the Department of Social Development, local government and local service clubs.

Rotary Port Shepstone works very closely with Ziphakamise, providing not only valuable sponsorship of its crèches but mentorship and support through its Mansfield Mission Project as well. Bishop Bodla is a member of this organisation. Recently Rotary Port Shepstone acquired a R350 000 Global Grant from Rotary International, which helps to fund the 10 crèches under the Ziphakamize umbrella.

Ziphakamise means ‘Lift Yourself Up’ and that is just what the organisation teaches communities to do. In 1976, it started out as a feeding scheme to combat malnutrition. From this, it has grown into a major Southern KwaZulu-Natal player in the fields of social welfare, community development and training. Today it covers a massive area, helping communities throughout the Ugu and Sisonke District Municipalities. Bishop Bodla and the board of directors oversee the running of its administration, its social services and its training and development departments.

The devastating effects of the HIV/Aids pandemic in this area have greatly increased the need for social assistance and have dramatically increased the load non-government organisations have to bear. In 1999 Ziphakamise realigned its programmes to focus on HIV/Aids prevention and to help communities to care for Aids patients through its home-based care programme. Today it has broadened its focus, working with church leaders to reduce diseases like tuberculosis, cancer, diabetes, hypertension as well as HIV/Aids and helping the disabled.

Through the Masithintane project, Ziphakamise also runs directly observed treatment support programmes for the chronically ill, training for home-based care workers and soup kitchens for tuberculosis patients.

Children were its main concern when Ziphakamise first started and the care of vulnerable young people is still one of its core areas of operation. The Emseni Child and Youth Care Centre provides short- and long-term shelter for about 36 children and youths who are orphaned, are infected or affected by chronic diseases or are abused, abandoned or neglected. The emphasis is on temporary care, with social workers aiming to integrate children back into safe family situations.

Another programme sees Ziphakamise providing nutrition for children and monitoring, support, training and basic management skills at 10 local crèches. Through its outreach programme, Ziphakamise empowers people by helping them to obtain birth certificates, identity documents, pensions and grants.

Ziphakamise also offers skills training for young people and capacity building for welfare organisations. The Shield of Faith Ministries, which involves local church leaders, is a holistic approach to the advancement of communities. Projects run by the Mansfield Mission satellite office include food gardening, a model crèche and an orchard.

For information about Ziphakamise and how you can help this organisation, contact Bishop Bodla at 039 6821834, 083 9907728 or Leslie at 0396821834