Sibaya Casino last year pledged R10-million towards several KwaZulu-Natal projects in support of women empowerment, youth development and the fight against Gender Based Violence, and has achieved its aim to make a difference in the lives of thousands of women and children.
“We are proud to have completed numerous projects at 9 shelters that answered their ongoing needs, as well as contributed towards skills development initiatives and the construction of 28 victim-friendly park homes at local police stations across KZN,” said Sibaya Casino General Manager, Virath Gobrie.
Cheques were handed over to several centres to assist them in running skills development programmes. Open Door Crisis Centre, Sahara Shelter, Ethembeni Crisis Centre, Durban Hospice for Women Kerr House, Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit, Wentworth Victim Friendly Centre and ABH VJ Kara Family Centre used funding towards the purchase of items such as sewing machines, equipment for gardening, beadwork, knitting, leather belt making and crocheting. Skills training for catering, flower arranging, baking, basic computer skills, business entrepreneurship and preparing women for job interviews was also funded by Sibaya.
In addition, Open Door Crisis Centre received kitchen equipment, utensils and linen supplies, Sahara Shelter received a solar installation and the Wentworth Victim Friendly Centre received linen, new built-in cupboards, and air-conditioning.
Sibaya has provided 28 South African Police Service stations around the province with a GBV victim friendly park home, fully equipped with an office and interview workstation. “These centres are fitted with a solar system that ensures each park home is off-grid and self-sustainable so that they are operational 24 hours a day and will not add to the stations’ electricity costs,” Gobrie said. Centres in the North region that have been completed include Mbazwane, Ndumo, Jozini, Magudu, Ngome, Nondweni and Mandini while South and West regions of KwaZulu-Natal included Harry Gwala, Ugu, eThekwini Inner and Outer West and Amajuba.
“Public-private partnerships are the cornerstone of a successful South Africa. Government needs business to support it as it goes about its work to achieve its goals. Sibaya is hopeful that the park homes will make a difference to the lives of GBV survivors as they navigate challenging circumstances,” Gobrie said.
