Invest in children – Ndoni
‘We can make a difference,” says deputy mayor at Uitenhage event
UNEMPLOYMENT is a major challenge for our region and we have not made a dent in it. In fact, it has increased, Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor Bicks Ndoni said last night. He was the keynote speaker at the glitzy Uitenhage Massacre Foundation Bursary fundraising gala dinner at the Volkswagen Pavilion in Uitenhage.
Ndoni, who said the infamous 1985 Langa massacre was still a vivid memory for him, was at the podium to appeal for support for the foundation.
He also spent considerable time outlining the challenges and successes of the municipality in recent times.
Acknowledging that last night’s function was the second foundation gala event – which aims to raise funds for the education of the children of victims of the massacre – Ndoni said by investing in children, “we can make a difference”.
“Last year [when] we were here, we made [financial] pledges. Many people, like me, did not pay those pledges . . .,” Ndoni admitted.
He went on to call for renewed financial support for the foundation.
While the foundation is “not yet a legal entity”, it now has the backing of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, which was last night announced as its custodian.
And although no funds were collected at the event, guests were given bursary fund donation pledge forms through which they can support the foundation.
Ndoni said the municipality had made huge inroads into many challenges last year, which included financial instability and leadership and internal management challenges.
“Much progress has however been made. The public purse is being managed responsibly,” he said.
Other successes included massive government funding for housing in the region, the construction of which was being delayed by infighting among people.
Excessive water wastage and creating township economies were among the municipality’s challenges highlighted.
He also raised the waterfront project mooted for the Port Elizabeth harbour, which he said offered many investment and economic development opportunities.
“We need a waterfront. It will attract investors immediately,” he said.
Ndoni also said the municipality was trying to improve its accessibility and service delivery in the Uitenhage area.