It’s not uncommon for casino groups like Peermont Global to give away big sums of money every day, but on 10 March, a special event was held at Emporers Palace in which seven donations of R100 000 to seven schools was given as part of their Peermont School Support Programme (PSSP). But why? 

When International Women's Day place 8 March, WHEAT Women's Fund was one of the first to acknowledge and applaud the major role that South Africa's women have played in the transition towards democracy and in the building up this country’s businesses, organisations and communities. This, despite the growing number of issues facing women around the world. 

During the 2009 CNA Conference staff were encouraged to raise one hundred books with the aim of encouraging South African youth, particularly school learners, to explore the pleasures of books and reading. Funds raised would assist schools with school management and administration.

Underdevelopment, a lack of industry and resources in rural communities are very real challenges in South Africa. Innovation is often seen as part of the solution to addressing these challenges. The Bulungula Incubator in Xhora Mouth, Eastern Cape, is a remarkable example of how innovation can turn an entire community into a self sustaining entity. The story of Bulungula and how Old Mutual’s support has transformed the community will be shown on Kaelo-Stories of Hope on, SABC1 on Sunday 31 January 2010 at 12h30pm.

Four Capetonians will be braving what has become one of the biggest cycling events in South Africa. The Cape Epic, the Magical and Untamed African mountain bike race, has put the country on the international cycling map with a bang and is, in fact, one of the biggest mountain bike races in the World. The cyclists are hoping to raise the public's awareness about, and funds for, the work being done by the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust with township children.

For nearly 12 years one of two independent women’s funds in South Africa has worked with women in low income communities to find local solutions to build local communities, and leadership amongst women.

For most of us, RAG means a bunch of first year students in crazy clothes trying to hock their magazine, at any cost.  But did you know that the purpose of RAG is inspire students to be responsible, productive and giving members of the public who take part in community projects and lend a helping hand? Media 24 Rachel’s Angels Trust did, which is why they sponsored the Lydia Ladies Res and Vesta Men’s ward for the 2010 RAG. 

In November the WHEAT Women’s Fund  convened with 38 women of Samora Machel township in the Western Cape . Mrs Sarra Ngolwane and Mrs Pumla Matiwane were instrumental in gathering and accommodating the attendees.

Making the transition from high school to universtity can be daunting. Even if you end up getting good marks, many school leavers aren’t equipped with the life skills needed to help them balance the heavy workload with an adult social life. For this they need mentorship, which is exactly what the Rachel’s Angels mentorship programme gives them.But also so much more.

41 FoodTents were built in 2009! None of this would have been possible without the support from all of those involved.

The idea of big business going green is still met with scepticism and doubt by many.  After all, big business has been a source of many of the environmental problems we are challenged by today.  Nevertheless, it has recognized that, not only do they have the ability to affect a disproportionately large positive impact on the environment through their actions, but also that going green will have a positive impact on the bottom line.

Delta Primary School in Retreat, Cape Town has a FoodTent thanks to the kindness and generousity of the Thebe Tourism Group. On Saturday 28th November 2009, the staff of Thebe Tourism Group, learners and teachers from Delta Primary, parents and a few community members joined Love to Africa to build a FoodTent for the school.

Local Edgars Alberton employees brought Christmas early to 120 orphans from several Child Welfare organisations in the Tokoza, Katlehong, Eden Park and Alberton areas earlier this month when they hosted a Christmas party to hand over Christmas packs and much needed new clothing to the region's needy children.

Whether it’s building a greenhouse for growing vegetables, putting up a community pole, painting an orphanage or planting trees at schools, local and international visitors to the Cape can now make a short-term, but meaningful contribution to the upliftment of historically impoverished communities.

Our First FoodTent was built at Zanokhanyo Children's home in Khayelitsha on 29th October 2009 and is thriving.

Camphill-Hermanus Farm Community as a village for adults with special needs celebrated its 30th anniversary in September 2008. The celebration was a very joyous event with lots of family members and friends of our residents and representatives and friends from the wider Hermanus community joining in with the festivities. The event coincided with the launch of a beautiful book on the 30 year history of Camphill Farm Community.

Always at the forefront of innovation, Woolworths has, together with its suppliers, pioneered a new method of farming fresh produce. Farming for the future aims to radically improve soil and plant health, preserve resources like water and soil and protect biodiversity. Initial trials show yields and quality are more consistent and land, water, insecticide, pesticide and fertilizer usage is reduced. This will help ensure that South Africa is able to grow sufficient produce in future.

A flash mob, is a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, and then quickly disperse. The noise mob was done for Consider Us (www.considerus.org), an organization that seeks to ensure that the decision makers of today consider the children and their futures.

Chalking is an interactive, organic means to communicate a message in an unexpected and fresh way. It sparks conversation and intrigue, and when it was done at St George’s Mall and the Clock Tower in the V&A Waterfront, the results were no different.

It’s time to make some noise about climate change! Join Urban Guerilla in polluting the airwaves about the plight of our planet.