NPOs and students receive monetary help

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) handed over funding support to 22 students and 14 non-profit organisations (NPOs) on Thursday 22 April.

The students who are supported are studying towards accredited NQF qualifications, chemical engineering, tourism, computer science or law.

During his keynote address, Garden Route Mayor Memory Booysen said the municipality managed to make R210 000 available to NPOs despite tough budget cuts because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Students received R510 000 in total, which was partly funded by the Western Cape treasury.

Booysen said the GRDM is the poorest of the eight municipalities in the Garden Route. He pleaded with external bursary recipients to never forget where they are coming from, particularly what their parents fought for.

"Do not forget your grannies, fathers, uncles and aunts, amongst others; some of them had to drop out of school to make money and support their family members who had dreams of studying further. I am optimistic about your futures and that you will not drop out, but that you will shine and make a success of this opportunity."

GRDM Human Resources manager Nontobeko Klaas said the municipality annually places an advertisement in newspapers and on social media (Facebook and Twitter) during October to invite students and families who require assistance with funding for their studies to apply.

Chief of staff Siphiwe Dladla said 40 applications for funding were received from NPOs. "Currently, we focus on NPOs that work with causes such as HIV/Aids, senior citizens, disabled, youth and substance abuse."

One of the recipients of an external bursary for BCom Accounting through the University of the Western Cape, Lizalise Gamane, expressed gratitude for the confidence expressed in the youth of the Garden Route.

"It gives a great deal of hope. Children from marginalised families now also have the opportunity to study and eventually support their families," he said.

Elmarie Maxim from Knysna speaking on behalf of NPOs that attended the handover ceremony.