NLC commits R10 million to aid Eastern Cape flood relief efforts
The funding for the project was approved under the NLC’s new Research-Based Funding (RBF) policy, which replaced the Proactive Funding model marred by exploitation and abuse under the previous NLC administration.
South Africa.- The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has pledged R10-million (€483,920) to assist communities in the Eastern Cape following the severe flooding disaster that has destroyed many homes and businesses and led to more than 100 fatalities.
Addressing the crisis, the NLC has commissioned the Small Projects Foundation (SPF) to execute the high-impact relief effort aimed at providing critical assistance to the affected communities, including food, shelter and medical care.
According to Barney Pityana, NLC chairperson, the commission selected SPF because of its proven track record and over 36 years of experience in delivering impactful projects in health, education and social development in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the OR Tambo and Amathole Districts.
The funding for the project was approved under the NLC’s new Research-Based Funding (RBF) policy, which replaced the Proactive Funding model marred by exploitation and abuse under the previous NLC administration.
The RBF framework empowers the NLC to allocate funds to critical projects without a formal application process, ensuring rapid support for communities dealing with crises, emergencies and disasters. The RBF funding is then disbursed to a pre-approved panel of non-profit organisations, enabling the NLC to swiftly respond to disasters without the need for a lengthy tender process.
Jodi Scholtz, NLC commissioner, said: “Our interventions include the distribution of food parcels, clean water, clothing, school uniforms and supplies, sanitary pads and essential healthcare support. The relief will reach thousands of displaced and vulnerable households through a coordinated and accountable process supported by trained field teams across nine municipalities.”
