|
Safika has a proud record of social responsibility ensuring that
previously disadvantaged South Africans benefit from its
business dealings. Directly and through its partner companies
Safika has assisted a wide range of social welfare
organisations. It has worked closely with the well-considered
charitable organisation Ditikeni (www.ditikeni.co.za).
Among the many projects that have benefited are:
• The Noncebea Centre Trust. This project was started in 1998 in
response to the problems of sexual abuse in Khayelitsha,
particularly the sexual abuse of children, which had risen to
epidemic proportions, affecting 1 in 3 children. Khayelitsha has
a population of more than 600,000, half of whom are under 18 and
the number of children needing help is overwhelming. Nonceba’s
aim is to drastically reduce the level of child sexual abuse in
Khayeltisha and provide support to those who have been abused
through counselling and seeking to prevent abuse through
education. Many of those for whom it cares are HIV positive. The
centre ensures appropriate medical, psychological, psychiatric
and legal help for victims. It has a counselling centre, safe
house, community hall and clinic.
• The Western Cape Association for the Physically Disabled
(WCAPD) cares for those who through injury or illness are
confined to wheelchairs or bedridden. Through its 22 branches
the WCAPD serves as a pro-active forum for the advancement of
persons with physical disabilities to enable them to attain
their maximum level of independence and integration into the
community. The organisation is also active in the prevention of
physical disablement. This is accomplished through therapeutic
and counselling social work services, group and community work
and consumer forums.
• The Namaqualand Association for Pre-School Education (NAPE).
This is a federation of 34 pre-schools in the Northern Cape that
provide services to 1500 children. NAPE assists with
fundraising, and organises training courses for pre-school
staff, committees and parents.
• The Black Sash Trust. This organisation is one of the best
known human rights organisations in South Africa. The Black Sash
operates advice offices which aim to put human rights into
practice. Its special focus is on poor women. The Black Sash
works towards efficient and honest administration of social
benefits, lobbies for effective and equitable legislation and
promotes better budgetary allocations for social security.
Helping elderly people claim their state pensions is a
significant programme. Other issues include access to credit,
abuse by moneylenders and access to legal aid.
• The Trust for Community Outreach and Education is a national
collective of six organisations working for rural development in
various parts of the country. Programmes include adult basic
education, lobbying for reform (AIDS/HIV matters, local
government, access to social grants, access to land), local
economic development (income generation programmes), and natural
resource utilisation. Communities served by TCOE typically
identify needs such as clean water, access roads, clinics, and
grazing fields. There is a strong focus on the training of
community organisers.
• The National Institute for Crime Prevention & Reintegration of
Offenders (NICRO). NICRO employs staff and volunteers on
programmes that include Prison Art, Victim Support and Offender
Reintegration. NICRO has moved beyond traditional welfare
approaches to developing community-based initiatives and
strategic partnerships. A major innovation is the “diversion” of
young offenders from the criminal justice system towards youth
development programmes. Nicro has offices in all nine provinces.
Safika is a significant donor to Education Africa which strives to help the poorest of the poor through helping them to get a quality, relevant education.
Please click here to read more
|
