DBSA contributes to the plight of Aids Orphans in KwaZulu-

The Development Bank of Southern (DBSA) proudly hosted a function for the Bayete Aids Orphans at King Goodwill Zwelithini’s Residence, , KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday 6 October 2007. The function was part of the DBSA’s Corporate Social Investment programme and a response to the impact of HIV/Aids in the province.

The event was hosted under the auspices of the Scinimvelo Poverty Alleviation, which was founded by the Zulu and is managed by the Zulu Queen Mantfombi Dlamini. The foundation provides, amongst other things, a nutritious lunch to the orphans weekly at the Nongoma Palace in northern KwaZulu-Natal as well as clothes, access to medical facilities and much needed love to the orphans.

The function accommodated 150 orphans. “We feed fourteen old children, that takes care of younger siblings. They do not even know who their closest family members are.” Queen Mantfombi Dlamini.

The DBSA gave the Scinimvelo Poverty Alleviation a sponsorship of R50,000.00. The orphans also received a nutritious lunch, clothing and candy compliments of the DBSA.

The DBSA, though focusing primarily on support for the delivery of socio- economic infrastructure, recognizes the need to attend to the total social fabric of society. The promotion of youth development and taking care of the destitute are high up in the DBSA’s social responsibility outreach programmes. “The DBSA is currently providing a wide variety of cash or in- kind contributions to promote the social security of the poor. In line with our corporate citizenship responsibilities, we are doing our utmost to advance the living conditions of the orphans left behind by the Aids epidemic,” says Theo van Vuuren, Executive Coordinator SA Operations Division, DBSA.

Ms Prudence Cupido, the DBSA’s Regional Coordinator for the KwaZulu- Natal Province, underscores her colleague’s sentiments. “Our contribution to the Foundation is significant, not only in respect of providing much needed funding and a special event where these children can experience the love we all have for them, but also in the way it is structured to build long term capacity for the institution supporting these children. The DBSA’s approach to corporate social responsibility is to make sustainable interventions.”

Protocol and logistics was administrated by 1 618 Event Management Pty (Ltd.) on the day.

[Ends]

Issued by

Hloni Motloung Dynamo Africa Tel: +2711 523 5600 Cell: +2782 218 0506 E-mail: [email protected]

For further information about DBSA, please contact:

Nonnie Letsholo Manager: Corporate Communications & Marketing Development Bank of Southern Africa Tel: +2711 313 3437 Cell: +2782 884 8072 E-mail: [email protected]

The Development Bank of Southern Africa is a leading Development Finance Institution (DFI) in Africa, South of the Sahara, playing the roles of Financier, Advisor, Partner, Implementer and Integrator. The Bank maximises its contribution to sustainable development by mobilising financial, knowledge and human capital to support Government and other development role- players in improving the quality of life of people in the region through funding infrastructure projects; accelerating the sustainable reduction of poverty and dependency; and promoting broad-based economic growth and regional economic integration.

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