Picture: MF Leader, Mrs Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi speaking at the launch of Ikhaya Thando foundation 

Minority Front leader, Mrs Shameen Thakur Rajbansi was guest of honour at the Ikhaya Thando foundation Launch on Friday 13 March 2015. The Launch which took place in Mount Edgecombe was aimed at created awareness of the organization and to raise funds. Also at the event was Dr Emmanuel J Moodley; community leader of more than 42 years, Brigadier Makhoba; Custor Commander in Phoenix, Veralum, Tongaat and Airport, speaker of the Ethekwini Council, Councilor Logie Naidoo amongst others.

Mrs Rajbansi said that the roles that NGO’s play in our community are very vital to help government escape the plagues of evil in our community.

“Government does not have all the structures to assist with all our community needs. Government has limited personal to deal with specific issues and unfortunately this personal cannot be everywhere at the same time. The need for shelter and homes for mentally challenged individuals is becoming more apparent daily. However there is a significant amount of “red tape” surrounding setting up an NGO and a greater struggle in terms of sustaining it because there are just too many unnecessary legislation which apply to corporate entities and NGO’s are expected to subscribe to.”

She added that in this year she would focus on passing motions in parliament asking for a independent code of practice for NGO’s which will make the administrative burden for persons who want to assist communities a whole lot lighter.

She congratulated the chairperson Jonathan Annipen and his executive board on the launch and wished them well. She pledged her continuous support and fervency to the initiative.