Award leads to positive spin-offs in communities |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jun 12 2010 |
But while they do so, countless thousands of South Africans continue to lead mundane lives, and are dependent on people with a philanthropic spirit to give of their resources.
Now in its fourth year, the Award is fast distinguishing itself as a catalyst for strengthening both the sustainability of projects helping people in widespread parts of the country, and the resolve of Award recipients to once again go that extra mile to help others.
An added positive consequence has been for communities to identify with projects so clearly doing sterling work in their midst. As Nosipho Mayana, last year’s recipient of the Inyathelo Women in Philanthropy Award puts it, “The Award has brought more credibility to our work which, in turn, has brought more donations and commitment for the betterment of our community.”
The Award has brought similar benefits to projects as widespread as the Cape Flats to the hubs of Johannesburg and Durban, and the rural areas of the Free State. All have become more sustainable due to Awards that some exceptional people have received for their philanthropic work in South Africa. The deadline to nominate people for the Awards this year is fast approaching. All nominee names must be received by 30 June 2010.
Ahmed “Smiley” Ismael’s story is typical of the recognition the Award brings to projects beyond their immediate environment. Asked whether receiving the Inyathelo Philanthropy Award for Exceptional Philanthropy last year has benefited the organisations and the communities in which he works, Ismael is unhesitating: “Our partners enjoyed the marketing mileage they received. In fact the Mayor of Ekurhuleni said, ‘you make us proud’. Our communities are ecstatic that the programmes are benefiting them and are being recognised nationally and internationally. And people in our organisation feel proud to be part of the award. We have had numerous calls from others wanting to partner with us.”
The Award has brought similar benefits to projects as widespread as the Cape Flats to the hubs of Johannesburg and Durban, and the rural areas of the Free State. All have become more sustainable due to Awards that some exceptional people have received for their philanthropic work in South Africa. The deadline to nominate people for the Awards this year is fast approaching. All nominee names must be received by 30 June 2010.
Ahmed “Smiley” Ismael’s story is typical of the recognition the Award brings to projects beyond their immediate environment. Asked whether receiving the Inyathelo Philanthropy Award for Exceptional Philanthropy last year has benefited the organisations and the communities in which he works, Ismael is unhesitating: “Our partners enjoyed the marketing mileage they received. In fact the Mayor of Ekurhuleni said, ‘you make us proud’. Our communities are ecstatic that the programmes are benefiting them and are being recognised nationally and internationally. And people in our organisation feel proud to be part of the award. We have had numerous calls from others wanting to partner with us.”
“In fact a few weeks ago, Radio Islam showcased our work with the emphasis on philanthropy and there has been a positive impact in the communities to do and give more. We subsequently received the Cisco Award for the Outreach Programme and the initiative will be recorded in the e-India magazine.
“Simple, ordinary people are doing great and wonderful work out there, which the Inyathelo accolade recognises. I’d recommend others to nominate and accept nominations for these Awards. It really does bring credibility and enhances ones activities,” Ismael adds.
Mayana is no less enthusiastic, saying that the Inyathelo Award has brought the type of exposure to the organisation for which she works that money can never buy. Mayana works with children in need in the Kya Sands and Zandspruit areas in Johannesburg.
The Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards is aimed at recognising those individuals who are making a sustainable difference in their communities. Many of those who have been honoured do their work without fanfare but with a warm philanthropic spirit - often so infectious in nature that it inspires those around them to volunteer their own time, services and resources to make life better for the less fortunate in our society.
The awardees of the 2010 Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards organised by the South African Institute for Advancement – Inyathelo, will be announced at a gala dinner to be held in Cape Town on 15 November 2010.
For more information on this year’s Awards, nomination forms as well as the names of the 2007, 2008 and 2009 awardees, go to www.inyathelo.co.za, or telephone Inyathelo on 021 465 6981.
ENDS
Issued by Quo Vadis Communications on behalf of Inyathelo-The South African Institute for Advancement
Inyathelo – The South African Institute for Advancement is a world-recognised organisation dedicated to building a sustainable South African civil society. Its core work is to advance social change by working with key institutions and non-profit organisations to ensure their long-term sustainability. This is done by developing the capacity of civil society to use private investment from such companies to better serve the community, whilst working with organisations to develop their resource mobilisation skills. The Institute promotes social responsibility, personal philanthropy, voluntarism and self-reliance.
Last changed: Jun 12 2010 at 7:20 PM
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