The Masikhulisane Trust

Poverty alleviation through job creation

Perspective

Poverty and unemployment affect some 22 million South Africans. Unemployment is particularly rife in the Eastern Cape around Grahamstown.

Masikhulisane Trust, based in Grahamstown, is a group of volunteers active in creating jobs and alleviating poverty in the Grahamstown area.

During the past year the South African Revenues Tax Exempt Unit, after a long wait, registered the Trust as a Public Benefit Organisation. This has tax benefits for South African donors and is an important step forward for Masikhulisane.

Funds donated by Thembisa have enabled Masikhulisane to raise matching grants from South African individuals and trusts. As Masikhulisane does not charge an admin fee, the consolidated funds were allocated in full to the recipients, three projects administered by Grahamstown nongovernmental organizations:

• Bursaries for children from impoverished families to attend preschool (Centre for Social Development)
  
• Purchase of materials for a literacy programme (Grahamstown and Area Distress Relief Association) for functionally illiterate Grade 8 learners
  
• Short-term employment of two men to help prepare the site of a nursery for indigenous medicinal plants and trees (Umthathi Agriculture).

Chris Mann, the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of Masikhulisane, sent his thanks to Thembisa and also sent us a greeting in Xhosa: ‘Ungadinwa nangomso!’ which means, ‘Don’t get tired tomorrow’.

The Masikhuilsane Trust has been closed following the death of Chris Mann in March 2021.