We have been working with SACLA Health Project for the past 11 months. Their initial request for support was for fundraising and development of a fundraising strategy.  However, in working towards this, many other aspects of the organization were reflected upon and developed to ensure a comprehensive and solid fundraising strategy.

SACCLA provides the following health services to the community:

• A clinic
• Home based care to the chronically ill

The history of SACLA is a unique story of how an organization moved from being an NGO to a CBO. In February 1980, Empilisweni SACLA Clinic was opened. It was conceived at the South African Christian Leadership Assembly, in 1979, which was held in Pretoria, whereby a need was identified for better health care within the townships.

From its inception onwards, the organization has drawn inspiration and support from God's guidance.  This is what kept the organization going during the challenging times--like an eviction from their premises in Old Cross Roads by the Apartheid government whereby several staff got arrested and the clinic was burned down.

In 2002, the organization was forced to close down due to a lack of funds.  But a few determined women from the townships stood up and refused to let the organization go down.  They felt that the work of SACLA was very important for their communities and so decided to continue the work.  For two and a half years they worked without funding.  But their perseverance paid off.  In 2005, they finally received their first funding from the Department of Health.

Ever since the organization has provided the health care to the people that need it. This story is a testimony to the resilience, determination and courage of the women and men in the communities who stand up and do what is necessary for their communities to be a better place. The organization is based in New Crossroads.

For more information on this organisation please contact:

Thoko Mtulu: 021 386 3985