Projects

Developing community leaders

Gwali Chief S.S.G Burns-Ncamashe Receives Grant Towards a Degree

One of the priority program areas approved by the Board of Directors is developing community leaders to more effectively mobilize the community to collaboratively identify and address community needs. Through our work on the Community Partnership Grant (CPG) program we were introduced to Chief S.S.G Burns- Ncamashe, the Chief of the Gwali tribe. Chief Burns- Nacmashe worked closely with us on all aspects of the CPG project and is currently overseeing the creation of a new Section 21 (non-profit) organization, the Gwali Foundation of Life, as an initial step toward creating a CPG program in Gwali.

In an effort to improve his skills, the Chief enrolled in the law program at the University of Fort Hare. Earlier this year, for reasons beyond his control, the Chief did not have sufficient resources to register for the new semester in his studies. In recognition of his support and leadership in Gwali, the Coalition made a grant to support the Chief’s work toward his degree. The grant was made to the University of Fort Hare for the purpose of paying Chief S.S.G Burns-Ncamashe’s semester tuition at Fort Hare. Chief S.S.G. Burns-Ncamashe had taken the initiative to improve his ability to lead his community. He ran into problems, and the Coalition made a onetime contribution to help him through this difficulty.