The rights of women and children, and empowering young people are challenges close to newly elected executive committee member Nondumiso Cele's heart.

 

“As a woman, I also believe it is very important to stand up for yourself and empower youself. That way you are able to empower others in your community,” said the Port Shepstone-born mother of two. Cele, a PR Councillor since 2006, was deputy chairperson of the Masakhane Grant-in-aid, Non-racism and Non-sexism Committee for five years until taking the chair this year.

 

Since 2003 the Grant-in-Aid Programme has spent in excess of R20 million to assist and support community based organizations and NGOs. “I would like to see the number of people receiving grants increase.  This would mean we are looking after our communities, helping children by opening crèches, caring for the aged and disabled and growing our youth.”