We’ve listened and heard you!
The Trust’s annual community consultation was held on 12 October 2022 in Philipstown. Over 200 people from Britstown, Philipstown, Hanover and De Aar attended. Enke, Blu Pay and Praise Beauty, all partners of the Trust, set up exhibitions at the meeting to show what they are being supported by the Trust to do.
Participants from the Trust’s Pushin’ Progress youth life skills development programme opened the meeting with songs, setting a wonderful tone for the consultation.
The dialogue between the Trust and community representatives at the meeting allowed the Trust to hear honest feedback and gave the opportunity for the Trust to explain its current situation and future plans. Recommendations were made about how the Trust can improve its work in the future, with much appreciation expressed for what has already been done so far.
The meeting ended with the Trust honouring some of its beneficiaries who have been outstanding in their performance. Recognition was given to:
Klaaste Atwell for achieving the highest academic results for 2022. Klaatse received a bursary from the Trust. He has completed his first year of study in Occupational Health and Safety at the Oxbridge Academy in Stellenbosch, Cape Town. From De Aar, Klaatse achieved a 92% aggregate, making him our top student for 2022. We are very proud of him.
Bambihlelo Ndumela for driving the Covid-19 vaccination awareness campaign in partnership with the Department of Health and encouraging community members to get vaccinated. Bambihlelo is a participant of the Trust’s Pushin’ Progress youth life skills development programme.
QA Products & Services for being the first organisation that open heartedly embraced the Trust’s ‘food supply chain ecosystem’ initiative to promote enterprise development in the supply of food to the community-based feeding schemes that the Trust supports, and for maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness. QA Products & Services provides nutritional meals to poor households and people affected by HIV/AIDS and TB within the De Aar community.
“I compliment Sibona Ilanga Trust with their annual community engagement process. It really promotes transparency and open dialogue between communities about projects funded by the trust. These engagements put the communities at the centre of their own development and gives us a chance to openly engage in planning and budget issues. What is nice about these processes of the Trust is that it leaves us informed of how trust money was spent, which is the essence of transparent leadership.” Anthony Olifant – community member
