NPO assists vulnerable communities during Mandela Month
SIYAZANA Youth Development Fund (YDF), a local NGO, is helping vulnerable communities for Mandela Month by distributing 6 700 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, 6 700 hot dogs and 67 000 hot meals.
Siyazana YDF was originally established to address early childhood and youth skills development but after the outbreak of Covid-19 the organisation changed its focus to support vulnerable communities across the Western Cape by supplying hot meals and PPE where it was most needed.
Chief volunteer Ian Miller said the organisation called on their partners and the public to help them reach their target for Mandela Month to distribute 6 700 hot dogs, another 67 000 hot meals and 6 700 PPE kits.
“Sadly our communities still suffer greatly from the pandemic, with most people still struggling to get jobs after losing them during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Our children need to smile and it is with that in mind that we decided to distribute the hot dogs” said Miller.
The distribution communities include Rondevlei in Lavender Hill, Montrose Park, Beacon Valley in Mitchells Plain, Jim Se Bos, Schaapkraal and Bonteheuwel. Parkwood community leader Paul Phillips said the community was extremely grateful for the valuable contribution Siyazana has made in Parkwood, especially with the crime, gangsterism and unemployment that the community face.
Colleen Petersen, who runs the Priscilla feeding scheme in Montrose Park with her husband, said the Siyazana team had been assisting the community of Montrose Park with hot meals, food supplies and masks since the first lockdown.
“Siyazana ensures that the community at least gets breakfast every day by supplying us with the ingredients,” said Petersen.
Those interested in assisting or donating are encouraged to contact Siyazana YDF on 082 757 5609.