Former SASSA beneficiary receives much needed help
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu in partnership with the MTN SA Foundation will on Wednesday 17 August 2022, handover a cheque to the value of R500 000, to Azowel Farming projects, KwaDukuza, in KwaZulu Natal.
Azowel Farming Projects was founded by Ms Welile Gumede who was an unemployed single mother who used her daughter’s child support grant to establish the business. Ms Gumede was one of the families and businesses who helplessly watched their properties being washed away by the disastrous floods earlier this year which led to the South African Government declaring a state of national disaster on 18 April 2022.
Before the floods struck Azowel Projects, it had forty tunnels producing tomatoes and green peppers with an annual turnover of R1.6 million, employing 32 people.
During her visits and while providing some relief to families affected by the floods, Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu was told of the challenges that were a result of the crisis.
In response to these, Deputy Minister in partnership with MTN SA Foundation will be handing over a cheque to Azowel Project.
Annually in August, the country commemorates women’s month paying tribute to the more than twenty thousand women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 to protest against the pass laws.
This year women’s month is commemorated under the theme: “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment, building back better for women’s resilience.
True to MTN Foundation’s purpose in bringing about meaningful, measurable and sustainable change that helps disadvantaged and rural communities to become self-sufficient. The funds will bring much needed relief to Ms Gumede’s business bringing back the resilience she showcased when she initially started her business.
Media is invited to cover the handover as follow:
The event is scheduled as follows:
Date: Wednesday,17 August 2022
Venue: Azowel Farming, Shakaskraal
Kwa Dukuza
Time: 10h00
Media can RSVP by contacting Ms. Makhosazana Mavuso on 072 732 9381 or on makhosazanama@dsd.gov.za
Media enquiries may be directed to Ms. Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or LumkaO@dsd.gov.za
