Our Mission

Brechin House is Complete

Brechin House is finished. Please seee our Short-term Project Page for more information. A big Thank You must go to our Brechin Ambassadors as well as the Brechin Community who helped raise the funds to build the house, which is now a home for a well deserving family.

Councellor Shabalala signs over land to Ithembalihle

During the visit from Tony, Alan and Charlie they met the local ANC Councillor. For some time Thandiwe had been trying to get Cllr. Shabalala to visit but had been unsuccessful. After we had had a meeting with him at his office he consented. The reason we needed him to visit Ithembalihle was so he would agree that the land which they were based on would be signed over to them, and that they could expand to allow for some extra building. Once Cllr. Shabalala had seen what was required, and the support GAGA was offering, he was very happy and signed the documents awarding the land to Ithemablihle, which is a huge success.

Gogo Luncheon Club

Gogo Luncheon Club going strong. Sithembakuye's Gogo (Granny) Luncheon Club is going strong and is regularly attended by 90+women and a few granddads as well. The group which meet every Wednesday is quite similar to Women's Institute here, although the topics of discussion are probably quite different. GAGA funds this project because these women, who in many cases have lost their own children, and are now caring for their grandchildren so don't have many places to turn. Some of these ladies are 70+ and they can be caring for children as young as 3-years old. The stress of feeding, clothing and educating them takes its toll. The luncheon club works as a social forum and allows the ladies to discuss their problems, learn from others, and find answers. Often Sithembakuye will bring in doctors or social workers to speak with the ladies about issues they are facing. GAGA is extremely happy to know the luncheon club is being well attended giving proof that it’s successful.

Ridge City Future Projects

Tony and Alan with Jake (RidgeCity founder) during their visit in October. Jake showed them round and meetings were held to discuss future projects and possible support GAGA can give to RidgeCity.

Thank you to the Scottish Women's Rural Institute in Dingwall

Karen Morrison, one of our Ambassadors in Scotland, gave a talk to her local Scottish Women's Rural Institute in Dingwall. She must have made an impression as they gave us a donation of £30 for which are very grateful.

Craft Fair raises £100

Alan and Charlie were invited to a Craft Fair at the end of October. It was another opportunity for them to test their salesmanship, and in all raised £100. They again made the most of talking to the public and creating awareness.

Cherwell Rotary Rugby Club donate to 30 local charities

Well, we thought we had had a good day at the Cherwell Rotary Rugby Club until we were invited along with another 30 charities to receive a cheque for £75. Ann and Charlie attended the presentation evening, and once again they had an opportunity to network with other local charities and meet local Rotarians.

GAGA gains David Morrison of Sangobeg as a new supporter

GAGA has been extremely lucky to gain a new supporter. David Morrison, of Sangobeg Developments, has committed a significant figure each month to be used for University and higher education including further training for school leavers and other people who would benefit from such support, thus ensuring those who previously would not have had the opportunity to continue education or gain further training may now do so. With this boost, those benefiting have a real opportunity to better their circumstances as well South Africa as a whole.

Donated items and Zulu Crafts sold at car boot sales every week

Sylvia May, one of our Ambassadors, has a novel way of raising money for GAGA. She attends car boot sales each week and from the boot of her car sells, donated items, Zulu crafts, and her own crafts. She also makes sure each visitor to her table knows who they would be supporting. Thanks to her fantastic work she has raised £500 over the last few months.

Alan does it again

Alan has done it again through his talks and presentations he has raised a fantastic £340. Sometimes Alan can have 3—4 talks a week, plus running his own business and being a very active Rotarian. GAGA is extremely lucky to have him as one of their trustees.

Tony, Alan and Charlie visit South Africa

In October Tony Weller, Alan Wolstencroft and Charlie Homer visited South Africa and GAGA’s projects. Tony, GAGA’s Chairman, generously paid for the visit as he had been unable to join an earlier trip in the summer. They visited 1000 Hills Community Helpers on the last day of their visit. Tony said he was in awe of the work that Dawn and her team had done and are doing. Dawn showed all three men around the centre and further talks were held on how GAGA can help in the future. In October Tony Weller, Alan Wolstencroft and Charlie Homer visited South Africa and GAGA’s projects. Tony, GAGA’s Chairman, generously paid for the visit as he had been unable to join an earlier trip in the summer. They visited 1000 Hills Community Helpers on the last day of their visit. Tony said he was in awe of the work that Dawn and her team had done and are doing. Dawn showed all three men around the centre and further talks were held on how GAGA can help in the future.