SI DURBAN: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE! 

History/Background 

Founded in April 1964, Soroptimist International Durban, is a vibrant, dynamic organisation with a proud history. We inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partnerships. 

Our 25 members are highly motivated women from varying backgrounds in business, law, education, and academia who are passionate about our focus on advocacy, education, fundraising, sponsorship and action. We hold a monthly meeting over Zoom and meet socially to connect and perform programme action.   

We are committed to a world where women & girls together achieve their individual & collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide. 

CURRENT PROGRAMME ACTION 

PEOPLE 

Back to School Campaign 

SI Durban is committed to ensuring school kids get the best start to their school year by providing them with school shoes, stationary and uniforms. Funds are raised for this purpose. 

Mandela Day Initiative Blanket Drive 

We distribute blankets to those in need for our Mandela Day initiative. Funds are raised and over 150 blankets are usually purchased. The blankets were distributed in the Phoenix, Glenwood and Chatsworth areas.   

Breast Cancer Awareness Drive 

SI Durban has marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month by delivering cupcakes and some cheer to patients in cancer wards. 150 cupcakes were distributed to Umhlanga Hospital. 

16 Days of Action Against Violence of Women & Children – Comfort Packs 

SI Durban’s response to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children has involved putting together 100 Comfort Packs, distributed to the Victim Empowerment Centre at the ABH, the Shiloh Rape Crisis Centre, the Sahara Women’s Shelter and the KwaMashu Police Station. Our hope is that these Packs provide these women and children some much needed comfort in their darkest hours of need. 

Women’s Day Project 

We supplied the women at the Victim Empowerment Centre at the Aryan Benevolent Home with care packs of much needed items e.g.: soaps, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, hand sanitizers etc. Adult and children’s clothes have also been donated.  

Fine Young Creatives Competition 

We created this exciting competition for the youth. We asked for Poem, Prose or Poster entries depicting ways that COVID has affected the Planet, People, Prosperity, Peace or Partnerships. The level of talent and entries received were amazing and there were 6 young female winners.  

PROSPERITY & PARTNERSHIP 

SI Thanda 

One of SI Durban’s flagship projects, SI Thanda, a beautiful handcrafted bear, continues to bring joy. The bears were ordered by a local school for their Grade R learners and we hope to build on this relationship.  
SI Thanda was also thrilled to collaborate with another stalwart SI Project Mapula Embroideries. 

PLANET 

School Gardens 

The creation of vegetable and herb gardens at 5 Durban schools. This incredible project promotes food security by educating learners how to grow their own sources of food and how to create viable eco systems in which to do so while using recyclable materials. 

CLUB DETAILS 

Club Name: Soroptimist International Durban Club 
National Association:  Soroptimist International South Africa (SISA) 
Federation: Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF) 
City:  Durban 
Charter Date: April 1964 
Current Number of Members:  Twenty Five (25) 
Non-Profit Organisation Registration Number: 166-800 
Postal Address: PO BOX 47314 Greyville, 4023 South Africa 
Email:  info@soroptimist.durban 
Website: www.sisa.org.za/durban 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SoroptimistDurban/ 

CLUB PHOTO