Member of the Mayoral Committee for Budget and Treasury, Councillor Khanya Ngqisha, visited the Maranatha Siyakatala Child and Youth Care Centre, where he met with the Director, Mr. Albie Basson, to deliver uplifting news: the Centre’s long-outstanding municipal debt has officially been written off.
The Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and adults, had approached the Municipality regarding the escalating debt it could no longer manage. Upon reviewing the Centre’s invaluable contributions to the community, the Council approved the decision to write off the debt, amounting to approximately R3 million.
MMC Ngqisha expressed his joy in sharing the news, emphasizing that this decision would enable the Centre to move forward on a clean slate and continue its mission without financial burden.
The Maranatha Siyakatala Child and Youth Care Centre provides care for up to 34 children, along with support for destitute adults. Its mission is to offer every child in its care the best opportunity to thrive, focusing on therapeutic, developmental, recreational, and nurturing services. The Centre also supports young people beyond the age of 18, exploring opportunities for skills development and higher education to ensure long-term empowerment.
The Centre is also working towards self-sufficiency through on-site initiatives. They operate a broiler facility and keep laying hens, which provide a steady supply of eggs. In addition, adults receiving care at the Centre actively contribute to its daily operations, helping to maintain the grounds and support its ongoing activities.
Please allow me to be the first to THANK the councillor and the committees for the write off and the interest shown in his visit. As a Non Profit organisation I hope that the facility is assisted by the discounted rates and service charges as are available in the municipality. Thank you to Maranatha for all they do.