In Stellenbosch, as elsewhere in the world, individuals and organisations formed support systems in response to COVID-19. Measures to contain COVID-19 led to unusual collaboration across different disciplines, across different institutions, and between persons trained...
Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust
The GSDT supports education, culture and community projects in the greater Stellenbosch. As a human rights organisation, it aims to bridge cultural and material divides.
Friends established the Trust in 2002, and since then, the GDST has evolved from being an organisation that launch and manage community projects to an incubator for both and new and established NGO’s and other community organisations. Projects that the GSDT had nurtured are now independent organisations, each with its focus and expertise. The GSDT offers legal, financial and technological support for other community organisations and serves as a community space.
At the onset of Covid-29, the GSDT increased its support for Vision Afrika Primary School to enable the school to continue teaching on an IXL platform and adjust classrooms and other spaces to comply with Covid-related protocols.
In 2020, the GSDT was one of the critical partners in Stellenbosch Unite (with Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch University, Visit Stellenbosch, and SCAN) to provide relief to communities. It partnered with StelCovidAction to set up multipurpose stations in medically underserved areas.
Projects that emerged from the GSDT include Vision Afrika, SEED, Sakhikamva, AmaZink and Eduvate. Vision Afrika manages pre-school and after-school education programmes and Vision Afrika primary school. SEED assists small entrepreneurs. Sakhikamva co-ordinates bursaries for learners. InZync and AmaZink are venues for cultural and community events. Eduvate develops 21st-century teaching skills amongst teachers and also supports coding for learners.
The legal structure of the GSDT complies with best practice corporate governance. It also encourages democratic participation and reflects the rights-based approach of the Trust. The Trust and its partner organisations comply with legal and other requirements for trusts and non-profit organisation and are registered under sections 30 and 18A with the Receiver of Revenue.
VISION AFRIKA
Vision Afrika, a partner organisation of the GSDT, manages pre-school and after-school education programmes and Vision Afrika Primary School, which teaches in both English and isiXhosa. The crèche accommodates 80 children between the ages of 2 and 5, and the primary school has 150 pupils. Vision Afrika focuses on building strong literacy and numeracy skills at an early age, and the primary school offers computer literacy classes to pupils in every grade.
The school plans to add additional grades and take in more learners. Vision AfriKa became a GSDT partner in 2007 and in 2014 founded the school.
EDUVATE
Eduvate aims to improve learning and teaching through innovation in the classroom. Eduvate develops 21st century teaching skills amongst teachers at Stellenbosch schools; it also supports coding and computer club activities for learners. Click here to learn more about Eduvate
SEED
Stellenbosch Entrepreneur and Enterprise Development (SEED) is dedicated to entrepreneurial leadership and development, in the pursuit of aiding business growth in local communities and making a positive contribution towards the growth of the South African economy.
InZYNC & AmaZINK
InZync and AmaZink are venues for cultural and community events. Regular programs at these venues have enriched cultural life in Stellenbosch and Kayamandi. Click here to learn more about InZync & Amazink
STELLENBOSCH UNITE
#StellenboschUnite is a collaborative aid action purposed to provide social support to vulnerable community members during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaboration brings together Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch University, Visit Stellenbosch (civil society), SCAN (Stellenbosch Civil Advocacy Network, representing the non-profit sector) and the Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust (administrators). Click here to learn more about Stellenbosch Unite
THE MACIAS RESTIS CHARITABLE TRUST
MRCT strives to assist and empower charities that work with children of previously disadvantaged communities. Click here to learn more about MRCT
SAKH’ IKAMVA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Sakh’ikamva co-ordinates parental support for children. Click here to learn more about Sakhikamva
CLICK FOUNDATION
Reading Eggs is an online, phonetics based programme creating a fun experience for the initial acquisition of literacy skills.
Multipurpose testing stations
GSDT and StelCovid Action Group establish screening stations
StelCovid Action Group: COVID Station Actions, Vision and Story – by E. Kruger (PhD Anthropology) Initiation of StelCovid Action Group StelCovid Action Group started with concerned Stellenbosch residents living on a communal farm in Paradyskloof, and from Enkanini...
Covid-19 Informal Tourism Entrepreneur Support
Community-based tour guides, crafters, entertainers and hosts brings a unique flavour and vibrancy to our region. Covid-19 has wholly and suddenly stripped them of their income and prospects, leaving many destitute and vulnerable.Most enterprise support on offer...
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