ABOUT US
The inanda Youth Movement was formed in 1941. The constitution of this body included child welfare activities, religious activities and civic responsibilities. The then South African National Council for Child and Family Welfare rejected the constitution as it had religious activities as one of its objectives.
In 1943, after the necessary amendments were made, National Council for Child and Family Welfare Society. Its first chairman was Mr Gopal Mangrey, a school teacher by profession, He later retired as a principal and was regarded as the founder of the Child Welfare movement in Inanda. Together with Mr Haripersad Rupnarain, Mr Heeralal Ramdarie
And Mr Hirilal Ramgobin the brought succour to indigent families who were small time gardeners or labourers in the suagr estates. The
camaraderie that prevailed, cemented the bond between the members. Membership grew and ex-pupils were roped in to swell the
numbers. A remarkable feature was that nobody asked for any remuneration. The feeling of altruism and knowing that alleviating the hardships of the indigent were more than just compensation.
In 1966 Mr G. Mangrey, the anchor of the Society, re-located to red hill and his former pupil, Deochand Ganesh was elected President. Mr Ganesh continued in this post for almost four decades. He was succeeded by Mr Shiner Ramkisoon, the current incumbent.
The area served by the Society extended from Lower Inanda to Upper Inanda Groenberg Farm, New Farm, Milk Wood Kraal and Duffs Road. The Society’s case load increased. In 1980 it was decided to build an office. An old building was made available by by Mr H. Ramdarie. Members worked during week-ends to renovate it. A part time secretary was employed.
The Society initiated two pre-schools, one at Inanda state – Aided Primary school and other at Kasturba Gandhi state – Aided primary school. Later a similar service was provided at the Duffs Road Primary School
In August 1985, the Blacks rioted against the Indians without being provoked. They burned and looted indiscriminately. Thousands fled and buildings were razed to the ground, including our offices and schools.
The headquarters of the Society then moved to Duffs Road. Our area of operation was drastically altered as Inanda was no longer a safe area for the members to offer their services. Our focus now centered on Duffs Road and surrounding areas. We also continued to service the families that were displaced from Inanda.
In the 1990’s the Society used to buy groceries and repack them to make hampers sufficient to feed a family for a month. Members went
to indigent families and personally delivered these hampers. This became labour intensive and time consuming. In 1994 the Society celebrated its 50 th Anniversary at the Malibu Hotel in Durban. This event was celebrated with much pomp and splendour and raised some much needed funds.
In the 2000’s the society decided to change to issuing vouchers so that families could go to pre-selected supermarkets and purchase essential grocery items. Beneficiaries were asked to keep their receipts so that random checks could be made. The value of the voucher was R150.
In 2001 the society applied to have its name changed from Inanda Child and Family Welfare Society to Duffs Road and Districts Child and Family Welfare Society. This was granted. The service area extended to Corovoca, Avoca Hills and Mt Moriah.
2003 marked the occasion of our 60 th Anniversary. This was celebrated at the Coastlands Convention Centre in West Street. A commemorative brochure was published.
2004 saw the birth of our Casework Committee. We now have detailed records of each family visited. The value of our vouchers increased to R170. In 2005 and 2006 members conducted major fund raising drives by visiting business houses and friends to solicit much needed funds.
In 2007 our voucher value increased to R200. Around 30 families were given monthly hampers. In 2008 we celebrated our 65 th Anniversary at the Duffs Road Community Hall. This event was celebrated to thank all our donors and well-wishers that continuously support us. In 2009 we began to use the name Child Welfare South Africa : Duffs Road, as was the norm with most Child Welfare Societies. We are still awaiting approval regarding our constitution from head office.
2010 saw the birth of our Fund Raising Committee. This Committee has exceeded all expectations and has boosted the coffers of the society.750 Diwali Hampers were distributed, each costing over R200.
In 2011 we acquired an office at Atlas Park (courtesy of Ajen and Meena Rooplal) in North Coast Road to house our equipment, stationery and other items. The value of our monthly voucher was R250. 800 Diwali hampers valued at over R300 each were distributed.
In June 2012 we had a Breakfast session at the Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga. It was a very successful event that was well attended. Due to the demands made by corporate companies our Society applied to become a Section 18A organization as well as a Section 21 company. Child Welfare South Africa is growing from strength to strength due to the benevolence of individuals and the business community alike.