Latest news with #Section18A
The Citizen
2 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Thuthukani Special School receives wheelchair donation to support disabled pupils
Thuthukani Special School on Friday received a generous gift of nine wheelchairs for its pupils, thanks to the Rotary Club of Richards Bay. The wheelchairs were donated to the club by an American foundation, Chair the Hope, and each wheelchair is valued at R3 500. ALSO READ: WATCH: Thuthukani Special School puts on spectacular show This support helps children who need one wheelchair at home and one at school, as public transport does not accommodate wheelchairs and charges for an extra passenger. 'Some children are also outgrowing their wheelchairs, or theirs are broken, while there are others on our waiting list [of 300] who we can also assist,' said Thuthukani principal Marthie Combrinck. 'They lie in bed the whole day. They can't get out or play over the weekend with their friends, so this gives them that freedom,' she said. The school's occupational therapists will also make waterproof cushions tailored to each child's posture. Appeal for sponsors Corporates are encouraged to join Thuthukani's Sponsor-a-Child programme, where donations help cover school fees of R300 per child per month for 11 months. In 2024, only 36% of parents were able to pay school fees, with most pupils from poor socio-economic backgrounds. They also have a Sponsor-a-Volunteer programme of R1 200 per month for the amazing volunteers who assist the children. To assist Thuthukani with donations, their bank details are: Thuthukani Special School ABSA – Empangeni Cheque Account Branch Code: 334 130 EFT Code 632 005 Account Number: 4044 335 087 SWIFT Code: ABSAZAJJ Use 'Sponsor' and your surname/company name as a reference. The school is a registered PBO, therefore any donation receives a Section 18A certificate and can be added to BBBEE audit requirements. Contact principal@ or call 035 7920080. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Give a cane, give the visually impaired freedom
Last year, SA raised enough funds to buy 500 white canes. This year, the aim is to double the impact, one R50 donation at a time. After the success of the SA Guide-Dogs Association's inaugural Give a Cane Campaign in 2024, which provided 500 white canes to people living with visual impairments, the organisation has launched Give a Cane 2025 with an even bigger goal in sight. This year, the campaign calls on South Africans to help raise enough money to fund the distribution of at least 1 000 white canes and essential orientation and mobility training. With donations starting at just R50, everyone can be part of someone's journey to independence. 'A white cane is so much more than a mobility aid; it's freedom, dignity, and the confidence to move through life independently,' says Pieter van Niekerk, the association's spokesperson. Real lives. Real impact Take Mtale Moodise, a gym enthusiast from Cosmo City, who confidently walks to and from the gym with the help of his cane. Or Ceala, who lost her vision suddenly during matric and, after a year of adjustment and support, passed her exams and is now studying psychology at the University of Pretoria. Then there's Henrick, who lost his sight at age eight and is now a first-year law student with dreams of working in cybersecurity. Each of these lives was changed by something as simple and powerful as a white cane. The white cane the association provides is not a regular walking stick. It's a specialised mobility tool with a rounded ball tip, designed to detect changes in terrain—from sidewalks to tactile paving—and signals to others that the user is visually impaired. This promotes safety, awareness, and inclusion in public spaces. Get involved You don't have to walk alone, and you don't have to give big. A R50 donation helps bring someone closer to independence. You can also: • Host a dress-up day, walk-a-thon, or blindfold challenge at work or school; • Encourage your book club, community, or running group to chip in; • Start a R50 donation challenge at the office; • Take part in an online gaming fundraiser; • Walk, run, or cycle 50 km and get sponsored; • And if you are a business, remember that donations are eligible for Section 18A tax certificates. Join the movement. Help SA Guide-Dogs provide 1 000 canes and unlock the world for more blind or visually impaired people. Donate now or set up your fundraiser at the South African Guide-Dogs Association. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Glen Hills baby home appeals for donations
THE Ray of Hope Babies Home has been a place of safety for abandoned and vulnerable infants in Glen Hills for 15 years. Recently, Crisis mother Rachel Uys noticed a decline in donations, sponsorships, and volunteers and is calling on the community to help alleviate the mounting pressure it is experiencing. Uys said the drop in donations over the past year has placed the NPO in a difficult position. 'The economic climate has affected everyone, and we've really felt the impact. While we're incredibly grateful for the church and community members who continue to support us, we are in need of more help,' said Uys. The home, which consistently cares for six babies up to the age of three and a half, provides round-the-clock care, medical attention, and emotional support. Some children require specialised formula, medication for eczema or withdrawal symptoms, and other tailored treatments which pushes the monthly care costs up to R3000 per child in certain cases. The recent financial strain has forced the organisation to consider temporary staff downsizing. Volunteers have stepped in to fill the gap, but more are needed. 'We've had to temporarily let go of one of our casual caregivers. I have stepped in but I also have a ton of operational duties to see to such as hospitals and clinic visits, court visits, shopping, etc. And as the children grow, their needs grow too. It's not just baby formula. Toddlers need solids, new clothes, and pull-ups,' Uys explained. 'Unfortunately, people often only think of the babies when donating, but our toddlers need just as much. We need long-term volunteers who can commit their time regularly. Even one extra person helping with meals or laundry makes a huge difference,' said Uys. Currently, staff live on the premises part-time and are grateful for basic food donations like rice, mealie meal, bread, and spreads. Ray of Hope welcomes individual and corporate donations, and can issue Section 18A certificates for tax-deductible contributions. Supporters are encouraged to reach out via phone or email to request the home's current wish list of essential items and child-specific needs. 'Every donation counts whether it's cash, nappies, or your time. Together, we can keep giving these little ones the love and care they deserve,' she said. To make a donation or for their donation wish list and sponsorship opportunities, call Uys on 084 924 3100 or email info@ For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
LUSA's Winter Warm Grocery Campaign 2025
Basic needs like food and toiletries are essential for children during winter. Due to the slow economy most of Lusa Community Chest's registered children's centres in the Vaal Triangle have not received their usual subsidies for a few months and regular donations have dropped. Lusa Community Chest, with the help of valued, loyal companies and kind individuals, is working hard to ensure that these children have enough nutritious food to help them stay healthy and warm during winter. 'We invite you to stand in unity with us, as we work together as a community to reach this goal,' says Mrs Retha Jacobs, coordinator of the Winter Warm Food Campaign. How to donate and become involved in the Winter Warm Project: • Companies can contribute any amount towards this project, as part of their CSI Investment. • A company can also encourage employees to be involved by raising funds or by collecting food items as an employee engagement. • Any church, school, organization, or individual can be a sponsor by contributing any amount once-off into Lusa Community Chest's Bank Account or by sponsoring a collection of food items. Donations may be deposited into this bank account: Bank: ABSA Type of account: Cheque Branch code: 632005 Account No: 4060258455 Name: Lusa Community Chest Reference: WINTER WARM / Name or company name. This reference is important in order to ensure that the money will be used for the Winter Warm Campaign. Please note that with a donation of R500 or more towards this project, a donor qualifies to receive a Section 18A tax certificate. To be part of this campaign, kindly contact Retha Jacobs on 082 898 2006, or 016 9760933, or email her at retha@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
