Matching contributions for donations to South African MFI

I recently led a team to South Africa in August 2009, commissioned by Synergy Ministries to provide strategic and business consulting services to Ikussasa Empowerment Trust (www.ikussasa.org). Ikussasa is the South African partner organization for US-based endPoverty.org (formerly known as Enterprise Development International), as well as being the only holistic microenterprise development program in the NW Province. Ikussasa means "future" in Zulu, and the organization provides a more hopeful future for many poor entrepreneurs.

During my two weeks in South Africa, our team provided training to the Ikussasa staff at their headquarters in Klerksdorp, visited clients in the neighboring townships, and worked closely with Ikussasa's leadership on a number of strategic initiatives.

It was clear to me that Ikussasa fills a financing vacuum in its target areas, where poor entrepreneurs are unable to finance their businesses through traditional sources of capital. These clients depend on Ikussasa to provide loans, financial management skills training, and holistic support (meeting social and spiritual needs). Because of interruptions in government funding for loan capital, Ikussasa has not been able to disburse new loans since 2008. This fundraiser is a chance for individuals like you and me to help Ikussasa and its clients get back on their feet, despite the uncertainties in the world economy.

Razoo will provide 100% matching for the first $250 donated to endPoverty.org through the end of September. Please be generous in your support!