Shortly after the Centre's 20th Celebrations the HBCCA Management Committee

gave the green-light for the installation of a Reception / Coffee shop in the Main Hall to

enable us to cater better for the needs of the many visitors that cross Iziko Lobomi's thresholds

 every day. Part of an existing store room was partitioned off and an area was created for our

new 'baby'.

During the beginning of December several candidates from the local community

were interviewed and two women were shortly afterwards appointed as Hospitality Receptionists.

The big day was on 19 December 2016, shortly after the commencement of the annual shut-down of the Centre

for the Christmas holiday period. Right from the first day the Cafe was very popular with all the visitors.

To cover the costs of our staff it was required for us to charge a small entrance fee to all

visitors. This entrance fee enables the Association to provide employment for two previously

unemployed mothers and at the same time provides much needed additional income to help cover

our monthly expenses. This initiative is a BIG step in making Iziko Lobomi more

self-sustainable and less reliant on donations and grants.

BEFORE

AFTER

Our two hospitality receptionists: Feziwe Petelo (left) and Sylvia Mgobhozi (right)

Rev John Frye and his wife

 Jenny

Vice-Chairperson Griffiths Mketo

with Feziwe Petelo (Qunu Cafe)

The front entrance of Iziko Lobomi received a much needs upgrade in the past three months.

With funds received from Gartner Africa a new wheelchair ramp could be built together with

an overall upgrade of the main entrance steps and surrounding areas. This was a very

fitting upgrade in preparation to the much anticipated 20th Anniversary Celebrations

which will take place at Iziko Lobomi on the 20th October 2016.

At a joint meeting on Wednesday the 27th July 2016 between the church leaders of the Imizamo Yethu community a unanimous voice went out for a joint prayer meeting to be held where prayers could be offered to God for peaceful and successful Municipal elections.

On Sunday 31st July 2016 this meeting became a reality when a large group of leaders and church members convened at Iziko Lobomi for more than three hours praying for all parties involved with the elections. The spirit of unity among everyone present  was tangible and the event was a real blessing for everyone that attended it. 

At the HBCCA's Annual General Meeting held on 23 May 2016 Rev John Frye was elected first Honorary President of the Association. Rev Frye has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Association (HBCCA) 23 years ago and it is an honour to have a person of his stature and experience to oversee the functioning of the Association and ensuring the Management Committee fulfills its responsibilities and continue driving the Association to achieve its Objectives as stipulated in the Constitution:

1. Promotion or practice of the Christian religion which encompasses acts of worship and community service

2. Promotion of community based projects relating to self-assistance, empowerment, and skills development

3. Promotion and facilitation of health care services to the community in collaboration with the Health Department or relevant authorities.

4. Outreach programmes for the poor and needy