Passing of our founder, Miriam Makeba - 9 November 2008
It was with great sadness that we learnt that Miriam Makeba passed away on Sunday 9 November 2008 after a performance in Rome, Italy. Former president Nelson Mandela said "It was fitting that her last moments were spent on a stage, enriching the hearts and lives of others - and again in support of a good cause." His tribute is one of many that has been made in her honour.

Miriam Makeba touched so many lives with her joy and generosity. The kindness and loving support she showed the girls will never be forgotten and her legacy will live on through them and the girls that the Makeba Centre will house in the future. Although her passing will leave a void in the lives of all who knew her, she will always remain within our hearts and we will honour her memory by supporting the Centre that she founded.

We offer condolences to all Miriam's family, friends and colleagues.

The launch was celebrated by the Banking Association South Africa staff members, guests, staff and girls from the Makeba Centre and Nedbank Foundation representatives

Launch of the Makeba Centre website - 6 September 2008
The Banking Association South Africa is the proud sponsor of the Makeba Centre for Girls website, which was launched on 6 September 2008. The motto on the website declares: “Educate a woman and you educate a nation.” This underlines the remarkable contribution Miriam Makeba, “Mama Africa”, has made in founding this Centre, specifically to meet the needs of girls in need of a place of safety. She believes it is the most important project that she has ever undertaken.

The collaboration on this website between The Banking Association South Africa and the Makeba Centre underlines their common passion for the empowerment of girls and women. The Centre is home to more than 20 promising young leaders of tomorrow and it was considered the right time to give it a cyber platform with which to respond to the interest shown by the general public and corporate citizens. The official launch of the website was hosted by The Banking Association South Africa and attended by its industry counterparts, Makeba Centre board members, centre staff and most importantly - the girls themselves.

Thabile Kubheka presented the generous cheque on behalf of the Nedbank Foundation

Nedbank Foundation supports Makeba Centre for Girls - 6 September 2008
At the launch of the website on 6 September 2008, Nedbank Foundation made a surprise donation of R50,000 (fifty thousand Rand) to the Centre. This sponsorship was facilitated by The Banking Association, as a crucial area of intervention of the Association which is itself a Non-Profit Organization is to facilitate strategic linkages for community benefit. The sponsorship by Nedbank Foundation is greatly appreciated. Other foundations and corporates are encouraged to partner with the Association on CSI as there is strength in unity.

The Banking Assocation South Africa - CSI project in December 2007
The staff of The Banking Association pledged their private time on a Saturday and generously donated their own money and gifts. They also convinced their Managing Director, Cas Coovadia, to contribute some of The Association’s budget to help them in their project. In conjunction with the girls and the Centre staff; the Association’s efforts transformed the facility. New tiles were laid; walls and gates were painted; taps were replaced; plumbing and cupboard repairs done; trees, flowers and shrubs planted; new outdoor tables and chairs acquired; and The Association’s old furniture donated. Necessary clothing items, bedding, mirrors, cushions, teddies, toiletries and other goodies were also donated and the girls’ old clothes were mended. The staff were able to convince suppliers such as Tile Warehouse, Jacks Paints, Plantland, Keith Kirstens, Budget Home Repairs and Rustic Timber to discount their prices for the Centre. Everyone who participated enjoyed the day, especially when Miriam Makeba unexpectedly arrived at the Centre and joined in the activities! After lunch, the girls performed their renditions of Sarafina, poetry, dance and music - showing how education, self-identity, singing and performing have been integrated into the culture of the Centre.

If you would like to find out more about forthcoming events, or if you'd like to make any suggestions, please contact: