As part of its activities around the World Cup in Africa, Investec Asset Management’s support of this innovative programme is in conjunction with its broader support of Tusk Trust and its sponsorship of the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust.

Coaching for Conservation is the primary social development programme of the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust. The Programme uses an innovative football programme and sports curriculum to educate primary school children about the challenge of protecting wildlife and its habitat. Football is used as a mechanism to change children’s fundamental values about health, respect for themselves and respect for their environment.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Hendrik du Toit, CEO of Investec Asset Management, said: “As a global investment manager with African roots, we believe in investing in the future of the continent, its children and its environment. It is our privilege to be supporting Tusk and the Coaching for Conservation initiative which has garnered such strong support from its patrons.

“The message of a changing Africa is slowly reaching the developed world. As the World Cup focuses the eyes of the world on Africa, this initiative will spotlight how investment in the continent’s community, its people and its environment can all play their role in securing a positive and lasting legacy.”

Lesley Boggs, Director of Coaching for Conservation, BPCT, said: “We are extremely grateful to Tusk for their ongoing support and thrilled that Investec Asset Management is providing such invaluable sponsorship for our football camps this year. The link between sport, health and wildlife conservation is not always obvious, so we are delighted to be embraced by Investec’s innovative thinkers who clearly share our vision of a sustainable future for wildlife and wildlife habitats in Botswana and throughout Africa. We look forward to building on this dynamic partnership to further our collective goals of changing the way we approach conservation.”

www.investecassetmanagement.com

www.tusk.org

www.bpctrust.com

The Thokomala CUNINA Community Homes were officially opened by Sophie Vangheel, Founder and President of Belgian NGO, CUNINA, which provided funding to the tune of approximately R4.5m for building the new houses, another R300,000 to furnish them and will pay operational costs until November 2011.

The keynote speaker, Chief Director of HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Fikile Ndlovu, said: “It takes a community to raise a child. Even when government has given its full commitment to addressing the needs of areas ravaged by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, such initiatives demand support from the private sector, as well as the communities themselves.”
“I hope the Thokomala CUNINA project will enjoy the same success as other Thokomala initiatives set up around the country,” said Dr Ndlovu.

The Thokomala CUNINA Homes are Thokomala’s biggest orphan care project to date. Attendance by several other high-ranking officials marked the significance of the development for the rural community of iSiphezi, where the homes are located. While the outward appearance of the CUNINA Orphan Care Community Homes may be ordinary, this is no common orphanage. This kind of set up is Thokomala’s unique model for providing wholesome, warm and homely care for orphans affected by the HIV/Aids scourge.

Thokomala, which means “warmth” or “care” in Zulu, is about providing a family home for children in such a manner that there is nothing out of the ordinary. There is none of the typical corporate branding on doors, gates and walls to make the house stand apart from the others in the street. Antje Hockly, Manager of the THOKOMALA Orphan Care Organisation, said the provision of care for orphans in a warm and loving family environment made a world of difference in their development.

“Thokomala is based on the simple yet effective model of community-based child care. Thokomala’s approach is holistic in that we not only provide shelter, food and care but also the love and nurturing of a normal family environment essential to raise children so they become healthy and emotionally sound adults,” she said. At the Thokomala CUNINA home, there is a play ground and a vegetable garden, which in time will benefit the entire community. An additional house contains an office for the social worker and volunteer accommodation.

The need for shelter and care in northern KZN is massive. With the province having had the highest HIV prevalence for many years (close to 40%) it automatically has a very high number of orphaned children (almost 230 000 or roughly 30% of all children living in KZN) and child headed households. Belgian funder CUNINA has supported children from low income households by offering funding towards school fees/uniforms and providing monthly food parcels since 2005. Says Hockly, “Over the years CUNINA noticed an increasing number of children becoming orphaned and decided to build homes for them. However, because CUNINA has no permanent staff in South Africa they were unable to operate the project themselves and asked Thokomala to take over.” Placement of orphans in their community of origin ensures that they do not lose touch with their roots and the support systems familiar to them.

Including the CUNINA homes, Thokomala will now be operating 20 homes, directly caring for 120 children. A further 2-3000 children benefit indirectly through Thokomala’s outreach programmes. Eleven homes are located in KwaZulu Natal, five in Gauteng, two in the Eastern Cape and one home each in the Free State and the Western Cape.

Since the inception of Thokomala as a Unilever South Africa CSI initiative in 2002, the company has contributed close to R7 million towards this project. . Since Thokomala’s registration as an independent section-21 company, most funding has been received from mostly European trusts and foundations however, Thokomala, as all NGOs is reliant on donations to keep going and is continuously exploring funding partnerships with local and international companies. Says Hockly, “The HIV/AIDS pandemic is not only a health matter but also a socio-economic matter which calls for all businesses to take action. It takes more than one company to make a difference in combating the HIV/AIDS scourge that is ravaging this beautiful country.” For more information, visit www.thokomala.org.za

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Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: “This tragedy has affected a very important country and partner for Anglo American and we are absolutely committed to working closely with the government of Chile and its people.” John Mackenzie, CEO of the Chile-based copper business unit, said: “We are deeply committed to supporting those people affected by the earthquake. Our people on the ground are looking forward to working very closely with the country’s authorities so that this contribution can provide relief to the Chilean people.”

Miguel Ángel Durán, CEO of Anglo American Chile, said: “The donation by Anglo American will be specially allocated to providing emergency solutions and to funding the reconstruction of houses and schools, mainly in the Concepción and Talcahuano areas. These are some of the communities near the Group’s operations that have been affected by the earthquake.”

The company has already moved a fleet of 14 heavy duty vehicles to help in the earth moving works and supplied power generators and a water treatment unit to the areas most affected. Anglo American has been a major investor in Chile for the last 30 years and employs more than 10,000 people there in its copper operations and at Scaw Metals (Moly-Cop). Anglo American, its executives and employees express their deepest condolences to those families affected by this disaster.

http://www.mytrade.co.za/auction-252551/Win_a_30min_drive_around_Cape_Town_in_a_Lamborghini_Gallardo_R1_No_reserve.html#bids

Bid it up! All money raised goes to Cotlands and Little Angels

Thandi Mosupye, Old Mutual Promotions and Marketing Manager says Old Mutual’s ongoing relationship with Joyous Celebration is important for two key reasons. “It plays a big role in promoting brand affinity and also gives us the opportunity to engage with our stakeholders,” she explains.

“We are also delighted to again be partnering with such a dynamic group that delivers positive messages to its fans – and helping one of South Africa’s finest acts reach as broad an audience as possible.”

A key component of the partnership is a strong community CSI focus on schools and hospices.  Old Mutual support schools with Name Boards, lap desks. This year the sponsorship will be providing much needed support to selected hospices and schools in the tour cities both in terms of time and supplies.

Old Mutual’s sponsorship of Joyous Celebration is part of a broader sponsorship bouquet that plays a key role in the financial services group’s commitment to social development and investing in South African talent.

In its Arts & Lifestyle portfolio, Old Mutual’s now three-year Joyous Celebration sponsorship is joined by the Old Mutual National Choir Festival (at 23 years, the oldest of its sponsorships), Old Mutual on the Square, Trophy Wine Show, Durban’s Music at the Lake, Old Mutual Encounters Summer Concerts at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia Dam and the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts.

Joyous Celebration vol. 14 will be released to coincide with the national tour.

I checked out their website and was very impressed – it looks very professional and looks like it goes to a worthy cause:

The ‘Give Me a Chance’ Children’s foundation was started in October 2004 by Delarey and Sandie Brugman of Alluvia Specialist Winery and Guest House in an effort to make a tangible contribution to the future of a community. A community that can hopefully in years to come look back at this project as the turning point in their lives.

Ten learners from Kylemore Secondary were selected based on their academic and sporting abilities as well as attitude. According to principal De Vries, there has been an incredible transformation in these young beneficiaries and he applauded the learners for making the most of this incredible opportunity. The ‘Give Me a Chance’ Foundation works to help these children realise their dreams by raising funds for scholarship programmes as well as establishing a network of strong role models to mentor these children. Every cent received goes directly towards the children’s school and hostel fees, school clothing, books and sport equipment. Not only do the learners receive the necessary support to achieve on academic and sport levels, but they also have the chance to fulfill previously unreachable dreams.

“Research has shown that the development of a child from underprivileged status into a commercially active individual results in the betterment of at least 12 other people from his or her community,” says Brugman, who strongly believes that the future of any country depends on the holistic education of its youth. “People do not exist in isolation from their communities, which is why we decided to support the Kylemore community in the Banhoek Valley where we live. Although Kylemore has some of the poorest communities in our country, it is also home to a talented group of learners who dare to dream and are willing to work hard at achieving their goals”.

The trust hosts an annual charity fundraising event at Alluvia Specialist Winery and Guest House in aid of the children. In addition to this, Alluvia recently launched a limited edition 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon under the ‘Give Me a Chance’ label to provide a further financial boost for the trust. All proceeds generated by the sale of this incredible vintage will be donated to the Foundation.

The 2005 ‘Give Me a Chance’ Cabernet Sauvignon is available from Alluvia’s Wine Tasting facility. For more information visit www.alluvia.co.za

This therapy, with some very positive preliminary global medical research for neurological disorders has also been widely recognized by the medical fraternity as delivering anecdotal benefits to many of the neurologically disabled children.  The therapy is administered in partnership with a pediatrician and general practitioner.

An amount of R200, 000 will settle the finance fees and enable the medium pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy to be administered at a fraction of the cost to all children in the centre, some who are unable to afford the therapy at the moment. Purchasing of another unit will enable all children to be treated.

If you have a corporate social investment programme and want to make any donations towards this worthy cause, please note that a tax invoice will be issued for any donations made.

For further info/interest please contact :

Victory Kids: Janine Thetard on (c) 083 289 0023

victorykids@discoverymail.co.za

Or

Hyperbaric Chamber Operator: Emse du Plessis on (c) 0836090222

Your support will be truly appreciated

The centre is now a registered PBO (Public Benefit Organization No: 9320028541) and Non Profit Organization (NPO no 065595), which is widely recognized within the community of the Eastern Cape.

The vote, by national standards bodies (NSBs) which are members of ISO, closed on 14 February. More than two thirds of the ISO members participating in the development of ISO 26000 – known as “P-members” – voted in favour of moving the document to the FDIS stage, and less than one quarter of the total number of ISO member bodies (including members not participating in the ISO/WG SR) were against. These are the two numerical criteria laid down by the ISO/IEC Directives for consensus acceptance of a DIS.

However, before drawing final conclusions, the ISO/WG SR leadership will analyze the result further, including the comments received from ISO members and from organizations with liaison status to the working group. These liaison organizations are associations representing business, consumers or labour, and include both inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations. They do not have voting rights, but can participate in developing ISO 26000 and comment on the document.

The voting results and comments are being analyzed, and a final decision is expected end of February. 

If the decision is positive, the document will then be published with any modifications agreed on as an FDIS in the third or fourth quarter of 2010. The text of the FDIS cannot be prepared before the next meeting of the ISO/WG SR in Copenhagen, Denmark, in May 2010. The official target date for publication of ISO 26000 as an ISO International Standard is by the end of 2010, but the schedule is rather tight and it may be necessary to revisit this date at the Copenhagen meeting.

ISO 26000 will provide harmonized, globally relevant guidance based on international consensus among expert representatives of the main stakeholder groups and so encourage the implementation of best practice in social responsibility worldwide. The guidance in ISO 26000 draws on best practice developed by existing public and private sector SR initiatives.

The ISO/WG SR is made up of experts from ISO members (NSBs) and from liaison organizations. Membership is limited to a maximum of six experts per NSB and two experts per liaison organisation.  In total, the group comprises 436 participating experts and 195 observers from 94 ISO member countries and 42 liaison organizations.

■For more information on ISO 26000 and the ISO Working Group on Social Responsibility, see the dedicated Website: www.iso.org/sr.

The competition runs from 1 – 28 February 2010, and to enter simply donate to Breadline Africa via SMS (36010) or its website, www.breadlineafrica.org/celebs. The more you donate, the better your chances to win the prize. And don’t forget to choose which celeb you would like to meet if you win: you do this by including the correct code (JINJER, HEINZ, SASHA or BAILEY) if you enter by SMS, or checking the appropriate tick box if you enter online.

Four lucky winners will be whisked off for a fun-filled evening with a top SA celeb, or group of celebs, who are also doing their bit to eradicate poverty in Africa – for once and for all. Flights are included, and you’ll get an exclusive culinary experience with one of your favourite local celebrities! Breadline Africa is involved in a range of projects across Southern Africa, all aimed at helping communities become sustainable and enabling them to help themselves.

Most of the projects involve placing refurbished shipping containers in disadvantaged areas to be used as classrooms, soup kitchens, clinics, libraries or ablution blocks. “We are thrilled at the support we have received from these South African role models. The competition winners are guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – as well as changing lives through their donations to Breadline Africa,” said Marianna Boguslavsky, Online Marketing Manager, Breadline Africa.

MXit, the global mobile social networking and instant messenger, has joined forces with Breadline Africa to help generate support in the fight against poverty in Africa, by promoting the competition to its three-quarters of a million music lovers. The MXit Music community will be encouraged to open their hearts and SMS the short-code, adding their support to stop African poverty in its tracks – while having the opportunity to engage for an evening, with some of South Africa’s best music talent.

Look out for further competition details and information on MXit in February 2010.

How to enter:

1. By SMS: Simply SMS 36010 to donate R5 to Breadline Africa. Don’t forget to include one of the following keywords to indicate which celeb or band you would like to spend time with: JINJER, HEINZ, SASHA or BAILEY.
2. Visit www.breadlineafrica.org/celebs and enter your details. Remember to indicate which of the celebs you want to meet if you win. Visit the Breadline Africa site, www.breadlineafrica.org, for the competition rules. The website pages are planned to go live: mid-January 2010

About Breadline Africa:
Breadline Africa, www.breadlineafrica.org, is a Southern African charity that aims to break the cycle of poverty in Africa by helping people help themselves. It supports ground-level African charities that are helping the communities around them realise their full potential and to become self-sustainable. By raising funds in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and South Africa, it provides funding to projects throughout South Africa, as well as in neighbouring countries like Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Breadline Africa favours small, grassroots projects that have grown out of community support, are locally managed and have beneficiaries in their governing structures. The projects it supports target children and youth in terms of health and nutrition, educational support, and sports, arts and culture. Breadline Africa is a Section 21 Company duly registered in terms of the statutes of the Republic of South Africa with registration number 2006/015075/08, PBO number 930021936, TEG reference number EVZ 0037/10/06 and registered number 053406 NPO.

About MXit:
MXit is a global mobile instant messaging and social network that allows users to chat to one another on their mobile phones or pc anywhere in the world. It also allows users to send text messages to and from mobile phones and PCs using GPRS or 3G instead of using standard SMS technology, which is expensive. MXit delights its users by continuously unveiling social networking, entertainment, communication and lifestyle features that benefit and enrich their lives.

This commitment towards innovation is the cornerstone of its success. MXit is a new generation company that boasts more than over 18 million global users. It attracts more than 25 000 and 28 000 users per day. It is in constant evolution to match the needs of its users and is set on becoming one of the biggest instant messaging mobile networks in the world and the preferred mobile social network for communicating with young people in Africa, South East Asia, South America and the rest of the world. MXit first introduced mobile instant messaging to South Africa in 2003. It started as a mobile game developer and evolved into a mobile instant messaging company, allowing its users to send messages at a fraction of the cost of traditional SMS. To download MXit: Open your mobile browser, type in www.mxit.com/wap and simply follow the prompts.

Contact information:
Vanessa Clark
Twokats Communications
Ph: +27 82 335 1117

I read somewhere else that the guy has also just decided to give away his house and is handing out his cash – its an absolutely amazing story

This quote from an interview really jumped out at me: ““if you can help others, you must give without wanting in return.”

Definately a story to be followed.

Apparently this book by Seb Hunter entitled – “How to be a better person” - is quite a good read.