No funding for registered crèches
Despite the approval of rural creches' applications for funding, the government has no budget for grants.
ONGOING funding issues for crèches within the Big 5 False Bay Municipality has left many without educational materials and toys, play areas for the children and such basic infrastructure as a shaded roof for outside meeting areas.
After campaigning for private funding, Yvonne Slabbert who manages Isibanisezwe Crèche north of Hluhluwe managed to secure the much-needed donations from Standard Bank.
As in previous years, the bank came to the fore and offered donations in the form of necessary equipment and educational materials, as well as furniture, window blinds and play areas.
The items were officially handed over at an event at Inkosi SH Gumede Crèche, attended by 200 guests and local dignitaries including Standard Bank’s Regional Manager Rodgers Blose, Big 5 False Bay Mayor Thembitshe Khumalo, Inkosi Gumede, Indunas Mdluli and Gina, Chairperson of Inkosi SH Gumede Crèche Erick Khumalo, Big 5 NPO Forum Chairperson L Mathe and Department of Social Development representative TC Zulu.
Inkosi SH Gumede Crèche received a play area, roof structure for a shaded meeting area, furniture, blinds, equipment, educational materials, toys, books and scooters.
Fifteen other crèches within the Big 5 NPO Forum and eight crèches within the Mbazwana NPO Forum each received either tables and chairs, scooters or a jungle gym.
Only nine of the 30 registered crèches in the area received the government grant, despite all 30 crèches’ applications having been approved by DSD.
Despite approved applications, the crèches have been told the department does not have sufficient budget.
The low budget is allegedly due to an incorrect census during the 2010/11 financial year.
