Singita launched its community development programme during 1998. Its aim was to implement a sustainable programme that would deliver tangible benefits to the local communities.

A staff committee manages the outreach programme. It brings together local knowledge, sound management skills, and a passion to make a difference to those who are unable to help themselves – particularly children and the physically challenged. They identify urgent and strategic needs and allocate funds from the Community Development Trust, which safeguards capital from the company, proceeds of the community tours and contributions from our guests. They also ensure that contributions-in-kind reach their intended beneficiaries and report back to guests on progress.

Over the years, guests have been very willing to support local projects. Donations come in continuously in the form of funding for projects as well as stationery, books and clothing that have been sent to us for the schools.

Where possible, we work to support community projects initiated by others in the community. One example is a recent installation of security and furniture to assist a school that had received a donation of computers