Speed Shelf 1016 Trading T/A Exclusive Joiners, Phillippi

Speed Shelf 1016 Trading trades as Exclusive Joiners. It is an enterprise in Philippi in the municipality of Cape Town. Exclusive Joiners is a registered black, women-owned business with 10 employees. The Foundation grant provided for carpentry equipment and safety.

Exclusive Joiners has been operational since 2002 as a modern and progressive wood joinery business offering traditional manufactured wood products, a joinery service and customer advisory service.

The business manufactures a variety of wood products such, door frames, windows, built-in cupboards, office furniture and wooden staircases. It also offers expert consulting service, after sales service and performs site inspection with customers to guarantee satisfaction.

The business was in the past selected as one of six in South Africa to participate in
a business exchange programme with Rutgers – Camden University in the USA. The owner was one of 60 Western Cape individuals selected previously for a prestigious business programme presented by The Louis Group Business Academy. The business provides learnerships

Thembalitsha Foundation

Thembalitsha Foundation in Grabouw is a registered nonprofit organisation with 335 beneficiaries. The Foundation grant was for medical equipment, a computer and printer.

Thembalitsha Foundation was established in 2006 and provides medical and HIV/Aids care and support to the Grabouw community at large. It runs 24 hours a day for seven days at a temporary 6-bed brick facility which the municipality provides at no cost. It also provides follow up visits to patients who are discharged from various hospitals. It provides improvement to the health of its patients through programmes such as medical care, nutrition to start them on antiretroviral treatment, education and awareness.

In addition, palliative care and a hospice service is provided. The organisation provides overnight facilities for terminally ill patients. Thembalisha has been running support groups for women and children infected with HIV/Aids. It provides an environment which promotes dignity and boosts the morale of patients.

The population of the informal settlement is 55 000 of whom 34% are HIV-positive. Most of the community members are seasonal workers, mainly employed during the apple and pear harvesting season. There is a high unemployment rate and hence the high HIV-infection rate in comparison to the region’s statistics. There are no facilities or resources to keep the community occupied in a constructive manner.

Thembalitsha caregivers, always ready to assist

Thembalisha Foundation, Grabouw