Association incorporated under Section 21 of the Companies Act

 

Having witnessed the struggle for survival of certain sections of the various communities, four churches, representing all races and cultures in Somerset East founded the Ithemba Foundation as a vehicle to try and alleviate the hunger and suffering prevalent amongst the poorest of the poor.

 

Somerset East is a small town situated approximately 185kms north of Port Elizabeth. It has only a small industrial support base and a very high unemployment rate, which in turn results in a large number of the population existing below the bread line.

 

Ithemba Foundation activities commenced during May 2006 when buttered bread and soup was provided during the winter months from three service points operating two days a week.

 

However, as support from donors became available service points were increased to eight and were operating 5 days a week. The service points were so situated as to reach all sectors of the communities where the need was the greatest.

 

Subsequently activities were broadened and the soup kitchens discontinued but replaced with increased food parcel distribution. Furthermore our information has revealed that many learners arrive at school malnourished,resulting in lack of concentration and poor year end results.Consequently we have been supporting two local primary schools` nutrition programmes by supplying food three times per week.

 

We were also instrumental (thanks to our main donor) in distributing a large number of blankets to the most needy persons during the winter months.

 

In addition assistance in the form of school uniforms to the most underpriveleged was undertaken, albeit limited due to budget constraints.

 

The sustainability of Ithemba Foundation rests on the extent of support it receives by way of donations.

For more information on donations click here