Thank you for visiting our website. Vukukhanye is an isiZulu word meaning "arise and shine", and reflects our vision for the upliftment of the underprivileged, poor and marginalised people of South Africa.

Vukukhanye was birthed in 2001 in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. We continue to seek to establish relationships and partnerships with those who identify with our vision and objectives. We would love to hear from you; so please contact us if you have any questions or comments.

Vukukhanye is a registered South African’ public benefit organisation, which was formed in 2002 in response to the serious threat to child and family welfare caused by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa, and particularly the province of KwaZulu-Natal; and in the context of a long-standing relationship (1989 to present) with the historically disadvantaged ‘township’ of Chesterville. Vukukhanye’s primary focus from 2001 to 2005 was the care of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in the Ethewkini region, primarily through the operation of a Children’s Transition/Foster Home, and associated community-based OVC support. In 2005 Vukukhanye expanded its objectives to include a broader range of public benefit activities (outlined below)

Vukukhanye is committed to community development through community partnership, leadership development and empowerment. Partnership with government, business, and civil society are also key priorities.

 

Vukukhanye has a twenty year history of cooperation with Chesterville, and its various community-based development projects are all aligned within a broader holistic strategy aimed at the continued and complete upliftment of this community.

 

Vukukhanye applies its experience obtained from its long history of community-based involvement to development proven and sustainable ‘grass-roots’ models which can be utilized to equip organisations in other communities.

Vukukhanye’s objectives includefive broad project areas; which are briefly described below:

1. HIV/AIDS - Prevention, Training & Care. The prevention of HIV infection; as well as the provision of prevention and education programmes aimed at facilitating the empowerment and improved quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS. The care, counselling and treatment of persons affected/ infected by HIV/AIDS; which includes promoting care for inmates of correctional facilities.

2. Orphans & Vulnerable Children. The care of abandoned, abused, neglected, orphaned or homeless children; or any other vulnerable or needy children, including those affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. This includes the provision of transitional and/or long-term residential care (children’s foster homes), supportive reintegration with families/caregivers and follow-up support for children and caregivers. In cooperation with social welfare, community and other relevant organisations; Vukukhanye aims to promote family stability and improve the social environment of children within its area of operation.

3. Early Childhood Development. Facilitating the provision of quality early childhood education in underserved, poorly resourced communities; through the support and development of preschools and crèches, including the training of staff and the provision of improved resources and facilities.

Vukukhanye has to date worked primarily in the Ethekwini (Durban) region of KwaZulu-Natal, with Chesterville (part of Cato Manor) being the primary target population.