Officially opened on September 9, the Shakashead Community Centre provides a platform for non profit organisations to assist with health, social needs and the well-being of members of the Shakashead community. See picture gallery below.
The official opening was attended by Princess Nandi Zulu of the Zulu Royal Family, Cllr Banda, Cllr McDonnel, Cllr Marsh, local residents and businesses from the Ballito community, all of whom have donated services, time or financial support to the various entities in order to realise the vision of the centre.
Mayor Thulani Khuluse officially opened the centre after praising the efforts of everyone involved. “While today is all about the community, it’s also about partnerships. This centre is an example of what can be achieved when there is a shared vision among private, public, non profit and faith based organisations,” said Khuluse. “This centre belongs to the community, all we are doing as the public and private sector is providing a service for the needs of this community.”
Initiated by the eLan Foundation, the centre is host to a number of entities which have offered services for the community. They include:
- Rotary Zimbali Library
- Working2Gether – a free recruitment, placement and training facility for the unemployed
- Umuzi Wethemba KwaJesu – an HIV/Aids Care Clinic with home based caring
- Pregnancy Crisis Centre – a support and ministry to women with unexpected pregnancies
- KwaMama Day Care – facility which feeds and nurtures the vulnerable children of Shakashead
- Kuyakhanya – although not an NPO, they are a SETA accredited training facility aiming at upskilling the community at large
The eLan Group initiated the eLan Foundation some time ago to extend their vision beyond the borders of the estates they develop. They are custodians to the centre and provide a platform and forum for all entities to operate within.
Thami Kamanga of the eLan Foundation said, “The gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ is too large a challenge for us to ignore. Each of you here today have impacted and changed lives in a profoundly positive way. Together we are uplifting, teaching, training, feeding, educating and loving – we are creating a heartbeat in the community of Shakashead.”
For further info contact Melanie Clarkson: melanie@elan.co.za