Establishment of the Dinokeng Game Reserve Community Development Trust
In a ground breaking initiative, The Dinokeng Game Reserve Community Development Trust has been established in Steve Bikoville. The purpose of the Trust is to serve as a link between the community, the Dinokeng Game Reserve Management Authority (DGRMA) and the Dinokeng Project. The Trust is also mandated to manage developmental projects that are linked to the implementation of the Dinokeng Game Reserve.
The formation of the Trust brings to life the promise made by the Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Mr. Firoz Cachalia, to the community in May 2010. The Trust Board is made up of representatives from the Steve Bikoville community, the Dinokeng Project, the DGRMA and the local municipality. In total, nine (9) trustees have been appointed.
The trustees were introduced to the community at a Public Meeting held on 4 July 2010, attended by over 100 community members.
The selection process for the trustees involved a three day community workshop where over 50 local stakeholders were trained on leadership, democracy, corporate governance, conflict resolution and management. The selected trustees will be responsible for communicating community needs between the DGRMA, the Dinokeng Project and the local authorities.
The Trust held its first meeting on 18 June 2010, where tasks that needed to be undertaken immediately were decided on, including developing a Training and Development Center. The National Development Agency (NDA) will provide support to the Trust and trustees on an ongoing basis.
All the Trust members have been working closely with the community and are very familiar with the needs of the community. The DGR Community Development Trust does not replace the Ward Council or municipality but is involved only in Dinokeng projects.
The Trust has indicated that the Steve Bikoville community is now firmly behind the DGR.
The Trust will continue to involve the community by holding informative meetings. At the first meeting on 4 July, the Executive Mayor, Mrs. Agnes Mlondobozi, said: “We are so pleased that the community is now fully involved. Further, we have a good plan where skills will be transferred for job creation.”
Also in attendance was Ward Councilor, Ms. Rachel Seoketsa, who said: “I am very proud and truly give this great initiative my blessings.”
The Dinokeng project has been making great strides in the face of many challenges. This hard work is paying off and everybody is now committed to making sure that the Game Reserve is on track and that everybody’s needs are being met.
The newly appointed Trustees of The DGR Development Community Trust:
The Chairperson: Terence Monama- Coordination and fundraising
The Deputy Chairperson: Sipho Seoketsa- Fundraising and community projects
Treasurer: Florah Matseke- Finance and distribution
Secretary: Sam Rabohlale - Document management and stakeholder relations
Community Liaison: Amos Mahlaola - Community Projects
Training Development: Jeanne Silver
Business development: Paul Masoma - Business coordination and projects
Beneficiary Coordinator: Elizabeth Phenya- Manages community database and distribution
Deputy Secretary: Nthabiseng Maisa- Document management
and CEO Dinokeng Project: Fana Jiyane