HOPEFIELD:- In a recent article by Saldanha Bay Nuus, the non-profit organisation High Hope expressed concern about, what they perceive as unequal distribution of corporate donations in the West Coast region.
Although the organisation welcomes private and corporate support in principle, they argue that such support should be shared more fairly across communities – especially when it involves vulnerable groups like the homeless, the poor, and children.
According to the report, High Hope assists people in multiple towns across the West Coast, including Langebaan, Saldanha, Vredenburg and Hopefield. The organisation has voiced disappointment that a recent donation of beds and bedding by Umoya Energy, made in partnership with Saldanha Bay Municipality, was given to a single shelter or organisation, allegedly without broader community consultation.
Although neither the name of the recipient organisation nor the specific town was mentioned in the article, High Hope claims they were overlooked, despite working with a wide network of struggling individuals and families.
“We were not even informed that donations like this were available,” a High Hope representative told the paper. “There are many organisations like ours who work on the ground every day. We would have appreciated being considered, or at least invited to the table.”
The article also mentions that Umoya Energy, as a corporate donor, often works in collaboration with the municipality on community upliftment. However, High Hope believes this process needs more transparency, to ensure all active organisations have a fair chance to benefit – not just those with formal infrastructure or recognition.
– A Personal Clarification –
I, George C. April, wish to personally apologize for a misunderstood and premature post, I shared on a local Facebook group referencing the same issue.
My intention was never to misrepresent facts or stir division. I shared what I believed to be a concern affecting many community organisations, including West Coast Sports Solutions, which I represent.
I did not publish any article on CCN about this matter until now. This report is based strictly on the information published in Saldanha Bay Nuus. I am sharing it now only to give voice to organisations like High Hope, and to echo the call for more inclusive and transparent processes in the way donations and support are distributed by corporate and municipal partners.
As someone who has worked closely with disadvantaged youth and underfunded causes for years, I understand High Hope’s frustration. At West Coast Sports Solutions, we too have experienced how difficult it can be to access support – especially when you serve children in rural areas with no formal infrastructure.
We believe in unity, fairness, and equal opportunity. And we support every call for more open, honest communication between corporates, municipalities, and grassroots organisations.
“Like many others, we at WCSS are not asking for luxuries – just for our youth to be seen, heard, and given a fair chance to grow.
If our children can’t dream here, where will they?”
– West Coast Sports Solutions