Isuzu Motors SA rounded out Mandela Month by handing over five customised wheelchairs to bring hope and mobility to special needs pupils at Lonwabo School in Motherwell.
SPONSORED | Motor group reaffirms its long-term commitment to St Albans Primary School by funding the crucial refurbishment of its classrooms and facilities
by TINTSWALO BALOYI JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) - ISUZU Motors South Africa has invested R1,2 million (over US$67 000) for the refurbishment of St Albans Primary school. The funds are meant to replenish the dilapidated classrooms and facilities as part of Isuzu’s long-term commitment to adopt the school and make a positive impact. Isuzu Foundation, The
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How others allocate their GiA funds.)
A municipal councillor who spoke to amaBhungane on condition of anonymity raised concerns that non-profits were obliged to compete with profit-making companies. It doesn t make sense how a commercial event with corporate, media, and alcohol sponsors is evaluated and funded through the Grant-in-Aid programme. Priority should be given to projects that will have a sustainable impact and are community development centric.
The councillor conceded that commercial events were good exposure for the municipality and boosted the local economy. But he questioned the rationale of approving commercial events using the GiA policy rather than a separate policy meant for such occasions.
Under Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina, allocations to fund community and poverty alleviation projects ballooned from R20-million to R100-million in 2017 – but the process of selecting and monitoring beneficiaries was opaque, posing the risk that a laudable programme was diverted to buy favour and influence.
Municipalities are empowered to make charitable grants – “grants-in-aid” (GiA) – in terms of section 67 of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
But critics, including some members of the mayor’s own party, the ANC, say the process poses risks that projects may be handed to political favourites, have little to do with helping the poor and that few measures are taken to ensure that projects actually meet requirements.