Gqeberha, Eastern Cape - On a picturesque sunny day, bathed in radiant sunshine and caressed by the refreshing Summerstrand breeze, we witnessed a delightful scene as enthusiastic individuals made their way towards the historic Tramways building for the Charity Symposium hosted by Do4SA.
In this 2024 charity event, Do4SA has joined forces with the Ibhayi Small Business Chamber to orchestrate their second annual Charity Symposium. A noteworthy evolution for this year's event is the inclusion of small businesses, NPOs, and corporate entities. In contrast to last year, where only NPOs participated, this expansion allows for a more diverse collaboration and engagement.
The Charity Symposium served as an excellent platform for networking and marketing, providing attending organizations with an opportunity to showcase their services and locations, fostering a sense of community awareness.
Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns player, Sipho Nduzo, graced the event as the Guest Speaker. In an interview, he expressed his anticipation for the attendance, especially from young people, to witness the impactful initiatives undertaken by Do4SA and other organizations in the Port Elizabeth community. Nduzo emphasized the crucial role community-based organizations like Do4SA play in addressing social issues, prioritizing community needs over profit.
Distinguished organizations such as Standard Bank, Yummy Tummy, Tiny Extracts, Klukop Society, Events Cape, Abbot Coffee, and SANCCOB were among the participants. The event witnessed a successful turnout, with a significant influx of attendees throughout the day.
Noluvuyo Ngalonkulu of Tiny Extracts, specializing in natural pain relief formulations, expressed her enthusiasm as a first-time attendee, hoping the event would garner exposure for the participating organizations. Abigail Vitbooi of Klukop Society underscored the transformative power of organizations in bridging unemployment gaps and upskilling community members.
We could not leave the event without hearing from the organizers. Soknamai, the PR officer from Do4SA, shared her excitement about the event, noting the positive atmosphere and the continuous influx of people throughout the day. She emphasized the community's readiness for change, highlighting that the Symposium's inclusion of corporate and SME sectors represents a broader initiative beyond NPOs, aiming to make a positive impact in the community.