On a beautiful winter morning in June, Community Chest hosted our annual Top Donor Awards at the Durban Country Club - a special occasion to honour the generosity and commitment of our donors, partners, and supporters. This heartfelt event was a celebration of those who make our work possible and continue to stand alongside us in uplifting vulnerable communities across Durban and the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal.
Executive Director Gordon opened the event by thanking attendees for their support over the past year. He shared that this would be the final awards function under Ubuntu Community Chest and the Community Chest Section 18A Fund, as operations officially transition to the newly registered Community Chest Durban NPC. This structure, along with the Community Chest Durban Foundation NPC, brings increased governance, financial oversight, and long-term sustainability - ensuring that donor funds are continued to be managed with transparency and responsibility.
Board Chairperson Dr. Velo Govender addressed the audience with deep gratitude. She shared that over the past year, R18 million in financial grants, R1.2 million in Donor Advised Gifts, and R300,000 in donations-in-kind were distributed to 117 organisations. Thanks to donors’ continued generosity, Community Chest has committed to increasing grant funding to R20 million for the coming year - an 11.1% increase - with new funding opportunities for compliant applicants.
The event also highlighted Community Chest’s longstanding partnership with the Comrades Marathon Association, through which an incredible R1 million was raised this year by Race4Charity runners in aid of early childhood development. This is just one example of the impact made possible through dedicated community partnerships.
A special thank you was extended to the members of the Board of Directors, who volunteer their time and expertise, as well as the staff of Community Chest for their professionalism and commitment. Awards were presented to our top corporate donors, trusts, donor-advised givers, and workplace giving partners - each acknowledged for their vital role in helping us carry out our mission.
Deputy Director Zama Masondo closed the event with a warm vote of thanks to all who continue to support Community Chest. She expressed appreciation to the Durban Country Club for their generosity, and to every donor, volunteer, and partner who shares our vision of a better, more equitable future.
As we look ahead, we remain deeply grateful for your partnership. Your generosity is more than support. It is an investment in hope, dignity, and lasting change.