The Master Builders Association (MBA) have taken the time to give back to the community by rendering their services to Umthathi Training Project, a local community gardening NGO which is moving to Extension 7 in Joza.
The Master Builders Association (MBA) have taken the time to give back to the community by rendering their services to Umthathi Training Project, a local community gardening NGO which is moving to Extension 7 in Joza.
According to Harry Rama of Grahamstown Glass the idea was planted when they were approached by Umthathi for assistance. As a member of the MBA, Rama networked with other MBA members and the idea grew from there. MBA members that are involved in the renovation of the project are Makana Brick, Pennypinchers and Grahamstown Glass.
This is the second project that the associated companies under the MBA banner have undertaken. The first they undertook was in 2006, where they banded together and collected R50 000 for the Ikhayalosizo Safe House, in conjunction with the Vice Chancellors Soccer Tournament and donations from the other MBA members.
The three member companies who are involved in the project are assisting in the renovation of four offices and a kitchen. The renovation will also include the building of new facilities which include a training hall, ablution blocks, carports and a storeroom.
The equipment was donated by the MBA members involved in the project, but other companies like Hi-Tec and Oracle have also rendered their services for free.
Freemasons and Round Table have also lent a helping hand. Rama says that the project will help to ensure that the unemployed receive training and seedlings so that they are able to plant their own food in their gardens in order to sustain themselves.
Rama further said that the facility will be a multi-purpose centre that can be used by others such as the NSPCA, the Jabez Aids Health Centre and Raphael Centre. “The SPCA will use the project as a mobile centre and Jabez will use the centre as a training centre,” said Rama.
The renovation project began midway in 2010 and so far is nearing completion of the urgent phase, which will facilitate the move from offices in town to the newly renovated offices in the township.
