Independent Komani Residents Organization
By Linda Zantsi
Independent Komani Residents Organization Organization (iKORA)started back in 2015. It was formed buy the Residents of Komani preciously known as Queenstown. This organisation was formed because there were no organisations in Komani that deals with social issues facing communities in and around Komani. These issues includes water crises, drugs, crime, land, unemployment and teenage pregnancy.
The organisation is run by a leadership of five members that are elected by the Residents of the Community. Those leaders are the ones who make sure this community organisation is running smoothly and the needs of the community are always met. Currently, these are the sitting leaders Xolani Xathu, Luyanda Samente, Thulani Ngubani, Nosethu Ngwata, and Busisiwe Ndzakayi. One of the main campaigns that they run is climate justice, this campaign teaches people innovative ways of using natural resources.
The other campaign is the Austerity campaign project, this project runs for the whole year where different organisations sit and discuss challenges and the needs of the people. This project allows the community to engage in the running of the organisation and holds regular meetings to develop new strategies that will keep the organisation, its vision, and its members informed to reach the desired goal for the community.
Are Aganeng Barulanyi
By Nokuthula Ndubane
Are Aganeng Barulanyi was formed on 22 April 2022 and is located Potchefstroom ward 9 in Ikageng. For more information you can contact Evodia Setlhare. Evodia sow the struggles in her community, that many lives of young people are being destroyed by drugs and alcohol abuse. Evodia also sow the high rate of unemployment and Gender Based Violence in her community.
At first the Organization focused on vulnerable woman and children but now they offer all kinds of social help. Evodia believes that woman are the builders of the nation and children are the future of the nation. Are Aganeng work different polices from social development, they have social workers that deals with people psychologically.
Women from the community are the ones that help in looking after children and the youth help with homework and any other school related work. Social Action Committee links the Are Aganeng centre with vulnerable woman and children or anyone who needs any social help the are aganeng has had substance abuse campaign and a June 16 event to celebrate the month of Youth they also work with the Lacoste football association. The government has neglected the people of hashtag so that’s why these people go to Are Aganeng to get help or life skills.
The Nyakallo Foundation
By Lerato Modise
The Nyakallo Foundation was established on 5 December 2022 under the leadership of Khanyisile Matsaba and other dedicated members. The organisation was formed to support the community, particularly those affected by the voeplan (the mine dump) from their area. Although still in process of registering as an NGO, the Nyakallo Foundation has already made significant impact in the community.
The election of leaders is done through election meetings. The organisation does amazing things like donating clothes and blankets to those in need, on Fridays they have a soup kitchen, and on Saturday evenings they have a study group for high school learners, especially grade 11s and grade 12s. There is also phytoremediation efforts to remediate contaminated soil. The organisation has also collaborated with Benchmarks Foundation to publish stories through their newsletter, although they have not published anything yet.
In addition to addressing soil contamination, the Nyakallo Foundation has performing groups, where they perform poetry, dance and theatre. They are currently recruiting learners from Mosala High School to remedy the garden that has been contaminated by the mine. As a developing organisation, the Nyakallo Foundation strives to create a safe space for the community and future generations, protecting them from the effects of mine soil contamination.
Imbumba Young Solutions
By Life Sithole
Imbumba Young Solutions is a multifaceted organisation that was founded on May 24, 2011, in Dobsonville township in Soweto by Noluthando Xaba and Tlhabi Monahotla. The organisation was formed by merging two entities to create a platform that offers dance, music, drama, and more. As a cooperative organisation, Imbumba Young Solutions elects its leaders and holds them accountable. The organisation’s daily activities include theatre, poetry, dancing, and music. They also initiate campaigns addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence, cancer, mental health, bullying, and HIV and AIDS.
Imbumba Young Solutions collaborates with other organisations like Rena Le Lona, Khanya College, ASSITEJ SA, and Drama For Life to achieve their goals. Their structure is flexible, and they prioritise accountability and teamwork. The organisation is led by a dedicated team, including Kutlwano Padi as Chairperson, Maseho Kgokong as Admin, Mpho Vuzani as Visual Art Coordinator, Gaven Law as Coordinator, Junior Dlamini as Former Chair, Noluthando Xaba as Coordinator/Director, and Tlhabi Monahotla as Coordinator/ Photographer. Facilitators Aubrey Nkosi and Sibongile Xaba are also part of the team. Through their work, Imbumba Young Solutions aims to empower communities and make a positive impact on society.
Their commitment to accountability, teamwork, and community engagement makes them a valuable asset to the township of Dobsonville.
This article was submitted as part of the Imbila Yesu publication produced daily for the duration of the Winter School in 2024 (14-20 July 2024). It appeared in Edition 3, released on 17 July 2024. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the author and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.