Scores of non-profit organisations have had their projects approved for funding from Buffalo City Metro.
On Thursday, representatives of 192 NPOs attended a special function arranged to confirm the arrangement, which is part of BCM’s R3m grants-in-aid (GIA) programme.
Buffalo City mayor Xola Pakati and his deputy Zoliswa Matana handed over letters of confirmation to representatives from HIV/Aids, arts and culture, education and other charity organisations at OR Tambo Hall in Zwelitsha.
Funding is expected to be paid over in February.
The principal at Masibulele daycare centre in NU2, Tantaswa Bashman, said a fire had destroyed her creche.
“In May 2018 the creche burnt overnight and it's been a such a struggle getting it back to its former glory with little support from social development.
“So when I saw the advert about the GIA fund I applied,” she said.
“We will be getting R15,000 from BCM, which we will use to erect a shack to make a second classroom for the 62 children.
“It's nice to know we can get support from somewhere other than social development because they are failing us dismally,” she added.
Unathi Dingiswayo of Zanokukhanyo daycare centre in NU6 also received R15,000.
“We want to erect a new jungle gym and buy educational toys for the children,” she said.
Dingiswayo said the funding brought relief, but she hoped the municipality would do more. “We're grateful for the funding, but we would also like to see BCM putting in sewerage pipes in our establishments because we need toilets in our schools,” she said.
Pakati said every financial year the municipality set aside a budget for the GIA allocation as part of their moral and social responsibility.
“The fund is an initiative done by the metro to provide grants to non-political and non-profit making organisations to help support and improve BCM communities.
“It is part of our moral responsibility.”
Pakati said the programme had been running since the 2001-02 financial year...