Entries open for 2009 Jet Community Awards

Since the awards launched in 2003, Jet has awarded 32 winners. Last year the R1 million prize money was shared amongst 36 regional winners and seven national winners. The 2008 winners include a crèche from Klerksdorp; a community care organisation from Namibia; a children's disability centre from Soweto, SA; a community trading store and tuck shop in Francistown, Botswana; a tourism and cultural centre in Bergville, Kwazulu-Natal, SA; a community IT and office support centre in Ha-Matlatla, Limpopo Province, SA; and a grass roots environmental waste management programme in Bonteheuwel, Western Cape, SA.

The 2009 Awards will be targeting community projects and organisations in the categories of “Education”, honouring organisations and individuals focusing on school-level programmes of excellence in literacy, maths, science and technology; “We Care”, recognising inspirational community initiatives in healthcare; Early Childhood Development (ECD), and Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) as well as initiatives with people with disabilities, specifically in terms of care, support and empowerment; “Vukuzenzele” which recognise entrepreneurs among black women, youths and in small enterprises; and “Environmental Waste Management”, recognising those committed to reducing or eliminating waste production.

“The quality of the entries we have received over the last several years is indicative of the tremendous goodwill that exists at a community level in terms of contributing towards real social transformation in South Africa and the broader southern Africa community. While our winners all come from different regions and backgrounds, they share a common vision - the transformation of their community through working for others. With little or no external support, and seldom any specialist education, these extraordinary individuals overcome significant challenges to make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens,” says Jet Club manager, Tessa Lloyd.

Entries close on 30 June 2009. Nominations and self-completed entries will be accepted. Entry forms are available online at www.jetstores.co.za/jet/jet+cares and in the Jet Club magazine and community newspapers across South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia.

For more information on the competition, the prizes or how to enter call GreaterGood South Africa on (021) 794 0580 or email .