Our Name
“Ikhala” is the isiXhosa word for Aloe in English. The Aloe is indigenous to the Eastern Cape. It is hardy, resilient and thrives best in adverse weather conditions. The Aloe plant is also used for medicinal purposes. It was felt that the name was appropriate for a delegated fund in the Eastern Cape Province, as although it was expected that not everything would go smoothly, the initiative would prosper regardless of the adversities it faced.
Our Vision
Self-reliant, confident and vibrant organizations are able to envision and catalyse positive change in themselves and their communities.
Our Mission
To support community-led initiatives in the Eastern Cape by building relationships, enhancing capacity and facilitating access to funds.
Our Strategy
The principle behind the work of Ikhala Trust is to sow where people have already laid a foundation. A grant will not be given unless social cohesion and mobilization are demonstrated by the community. Put another way, our grants (small) reinforce and build on communities existing assets (physical, social, financial, natural, human). In short it builds on people’s assets. This approach diverges from mainstream development paradigms, that are deficit oriented and needs based that often undermines and appreciates what communities have already done for themselves and by and large treats vulnerable communities as passive recipients in need of HELP and FIXING.
Bernie Dolley: Director
Back: Chris Engelbrecht (Trustee) | Nicolette Louis (Treasurer) | Andy de la Mare (Trustee) | Blanche Pretorius (Trustee)
Front: Ncumisa Nongogo (Deputy Chairperson) | Sarah Hugow (Chairperson)
Ms Sarah Hugow (Chairperson) Provincial Co-ordinator: National Lotteries Board: Eastern Cape
Ms Ncumisa Nongogo (Vice-Chairperson) Lawyer – Private Practice
Mr Andy de la Mare (Trustee) Corporate – Absa Bank
Dr Blanche Pretorius (Trustee) Director: Research & Capacity Development: NMMU
Ms Chris Engelbrecht (Trustee) Community Development: Department of Social Development
Ms Nicolette Louis (Trustee) Corporate
The complete Ikhala Trust Profile is available for download.