By MELBOURNE MUSHITU –
THE Zambia Association in South Africa (ZASA) has established a welfare fund aimed at benefitting Zambians living in South Africa.
Press secretary at the Zambia High Commission in South Africa Nicky Shabolyo said the fund had been established following a unanimous resolution at a ZASA national executive and branch committees meeting held in that country last week.
Mr Shabolyo said in a statement that all branches in South Africa would make a contribution of 700 Rands per month starting in June this year.
“The breakdown of member contributions has been structured in such a way that a family of up to five, that is husband, wife and three kids under the age of 21 years will contribute R60 per month.
“Any extra person to this will contribute R20 per month while individuals are required to part away with R30,” he said.
Mr Shabolyo said ZASA would support branches that would contribute towards the welfare fund with R8,000 for any misfortune while those branches without any contribution but had individuals that belong to ZASA would get R1,500.
Acting Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa Philomena Kachesa has commended ZASA for establishing the welfare fund.
Ms Kachesa said the fund would go a long way in helping Zambians living in South Africa in times of tragedies such as death.
“Thank you for establishing the fund. It will go a long way in helping Zambians in South Africa in times of tragedies,” she said.
She urged all branches across the country to participate in the noble cause in order to make the initiative a success.