By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Agape Foundation for Community Development (AFCD) in partnership with the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) invited a group of stakeholders to the community of Makwane to talk about entrepreneurship and the opportunities that exist for funding and partnerships.
Daniel Moloi the founder of AFCD which is fondly known as Agape when speaking to The Guard said that his vision is to uplift the village of Makwane and business development is the best way to address the issue of poverty and unemployment. “I have faith that eventually our community will uplift itself through the efforts that my team and I are making. This engagement session is about bringing all the stakeholders under one roof to talk to the people of Makwane and tell them which opportunities exist for them in the community of Maluti – a – Phofung, “Moloi said. When speaking to the people in attendance Mavis Molobi from the National lotteries Commission (NLC) said that the call to fill in NLC applications for funding for 2022 opened on the first of April. “People must understand that the NLC funds only nonprofit organizations not businesses, so if anyone has an organization similar to AGAPE, they can apply for funds from the NLC,” Molobi said.
The NLC has specific funding focus areas for the 2022/23 financial year, which are Arts, Culture and National Heritage sector, Sport and Recreation sector, Charities sector and Miscellaneous Purposes sector. Due to limited funds people were advised to apply as soon as possible and not wait till the last minute. Robert Sebtloboko from the Department of Social Development (DSD) said; “As the DSD we have partnered with AGAPE to bring about change in the community of Makwane. This engagement session is aimed at bringing the relevant stakeholders directly to the people so that they can be capacitated with the right knowledge and information.”
Moipone Rakhale who is a local of the community and Vic – Chairperson of AGAPE said; “Our organization really cares about the community this session today is only one of the few things that we do. I love being part of AGAPE; this place is my home away from home.” Paballo Khiba a local from the community said that the two day engagement session that was held on 26 to 27 May was fruitful and that she is glad she attended.
I Lindiwe Radebe is very proud and Glad that i was part of that life changing session and many others that i have attended opportunities to uplift and provide information like this one are very rare MAKWANE community and youth Should be proud of Ntate Moloi while i was still staying ko hae (Bluegumbosch) before moving to Makwane i longed for such menyetla but were never provided.Phambili Ntate Moloi i will continue to be part of your vision and fight poverty.
Thanks very much for such encouragement. We still need to work hard to make our dream for Development in our communities. Thanks for supporting Agape Foundation For Community, a very progressive organization with its various partners.
Woooow good work agape community development foundation keep doing it empowering the community.
I applaud the initiative by Agape and wish all stakeholders involved in this project can also be willing and ready to come to Dihlabeng as well.