The Grinding Issue: Introducing Our Official Newsletter - September 2021 Edition
Happy September and Spring! We’re in the final stretch of what is still a surreal year – still under lockdown. We’re already looking forward to our AGM on the 16th October 2021.
What is the purpose of this newsletter? What function does it serve, outside of the more modern modes of communication we have already established? What function should it serve? I’m not trained as a marketer so I resorted to Google to help with the vexing question… In a nutshell, the newsletter of an organization such as ours, is meant to:
Inform members about the Foundation’s latest goings on, trends in financial performance and insights
Reinforce transparency as a core principle of the Foundation
Provide a timely reminder of the purpose and mission of the Foundation
Help shape the culture of the Foundation, and finally,
Highlight the achievements of the Foundation
I would also like to include in the newsletter where appropriate, achievements of members in their professional, social and personal lives (yes, maybe reaching a new world record in Fortnite is a noteworthy achievement…).
Whilst we are still in the midst of a tragically historic pandemic, there may be a section on notable developments and information on COVID-19. Hope that helps.
Without further ado…
Summary Minutes from the last AGM
The last AGM took place on the 9th February 2021. In general, the major themes continue to be a need for increased member contributions, engagement and most importantly, sourcing of eligible projects for the Foundation to sponsor. The sponsorships over the last financial have mostly been monetary, augmented by the close cooperation and collaboration with the Fun Learning for Youth (FLY) organization.
Four projects totalling R156k were proposed up to this date, with two already approved (pending disbursement of funds). The other two were still under consideration and most likely to be funded into the new financial year.
Some initiatives to come of out of general comments included:
1. To do: Internet banking to be finalised.
2. Project subcommittees to be finalised.
3. Member events to be organised at a later stage depending on the Covid situation.
4. How to deal with fellow members who are going through tough times. It was agreed that members can assist where they can but it needs to be a private matter for the members as opposed to it being a Grind Foundation matter as it is not within the set- up and mandate of the foundation but can be dealt with privately.
Project Update
The projects team has grown, with interest being shown by members to participate in this portfolio. The team of four now comprises of Maryjane Mokgethi, Marjorie Mbambo, Linda Nyembezi and Mzwandile Riba. The team met for dinner early this year to flesh out ideas and a strategy. One very important view was for the Foundation to continue to engage existing projects and ensure that all commitments are executed accordingly.
One key project that has progressed is the tablets project for FLY matric students. This project is aimed at providing 28 FLY matric students with tablets and data to enable them to access tutorials online and be able to communicate with FLY tutors. This in addition to being able to go back and tutor physically at the school at later stage in the year, will enable FLY to achieve better continuity with their work as a tutoring organisation.
FLY Tablet Handover Project
The projects team has also highlighted the need to ensure that we follow through with the other projects that have been approved by the members. This includes the Dignity Life Foundation, Ogle Foundation and Thabang ka Mmino projects. The team also highlighted the need to start establishing momentum with contributions and fundraising activity targeted at specific initiatives.
Marjorie, along with Tinyiko and a few other dedicated individuals ran the Raising Legends project. The project was a huge success, here’s a teaser as Marj reported:
"As the Grind foundation, we adopted a school named Kwabhekilanga Secondary School, situated in Alexandra township, to roll out three projects. On 17 April 2021 we successfully rolled out the first project, the “Raising Legends” project, where we partnered with our key partners, the Red Cross and the Hope Givers Foundation. The project was targeted at the boy child, focusing on how to eradicate drug and alcohol abuse, through awareness raising workshops. We got to host 200 boys and were joined by a group of young dynamic men, who came from all walks of life to share their stories on how they conquered substance abuse, and the positive effect that has had on their lives. This initiative is close to our hearts as the Grind Foundation, and it warms our hearts to know that our contribution made an impact. We look forward to driving more projects focusing on the boy child and we intend to continue with making an impact.”
Raising Legends Project
Covid-19 Update
As you’re all no doubt aware, South Africa, in fact most of the rest of the world, has just come out of the third (and fourth in some countries) wave of COVID-19 cases. Some countries, including South Africa, are in the fortunate position of having started their vaccination programmes in earnest. Suffice to say, in spite of the vaccination drives and natural ebb in the case load, we are far from beating this resourceful and sneaky virus.
The good news is that the vaccines are working. According to reports, scientists pronounced the results initially shown in the human trials of Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca match what is happening among people vaccinated. They also reported no unexpected safety problems have emerged.
The research showed that a wide range of people, particularly those at high risk of severe disease, benefit from the vaccines. Some of the reports globally indicate:
Israel: Pfizer (two-dose vaccine) was 92% effective at preventing infections overall
Scotland: Pfizer and AstraZeneca (single dose) led to 85% and 94% reduced hospitalisation, respectively.
Since the emergence and dominance of the delta variant in March/April of this year, various studies conducted on efficacy against death and severe illness haven’t shown a drop off in efficacy. However, there has been observed drop off in effectiveness against infection to between 60-80%. This has boosted calls for booster shots in future but further research is underway.
Where we stand with South Africa’s vaccination drive: As of 15 September 2021, the total number of vaccines administered to adults South Africans was 15,188,787. Breakdown below:
So we’ve got just over 7.4m (18.6% adults) fully vaccinated adults and 7.7m partially vaccinated (19.2%). This is good news. Despite the reduced efficacy of both the Pfizer and J&J against transmission of the virus [by fully vaccinated people], both are still showing almost 100% efficacy against death and serious illness. In fact, so far in SA, we are yet to register a single COVID death of a fully vaccinated person. Further info here for those interested.
We’re not out of the woods yet. This was illustrated by some fascinating charts from Discovery’s latest interim results presentation. [disclaimer: the author does not have a PA position in Discovery shares, nor have any affiliations whatsoever]. According to their research, SA’s most likely headed for a fourth wave which could lead to further loss of lives (235k – 245k mostly avoidable deaths):
Full slide deck can be found here for those interested.
So we still need to mask up, wash our hands and stay socially distanced to keep ourselves safe. And most importantly, get our heads around vaccinating and get vaxxed at the earliest possible opportunity.
I’ve pasted some resources below for those who have questions or would like to share with family or friends who are hesitant:
https://www.discovery.co.za/corporate/covid19-5-reasons-you-should-have-the-vaccination
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html
Upcoming Events
16 October 2021 - AGM
11 December 2021 – Year-End Gish Gash