About Us

The Community Chest of the Nelson Mandela Metropole is one of the oldest charitable organisations in South Africa, serving Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch.

The Community Chest aims to dignify the individual through the alleviation of poverty and distress. It provides volunteer and professional expertise in community development, project management, resource distribution and brings together people concerned with the welfare of those less fortunate.

The Community Chest of the Nelson Mandela Metropole has been a leading role player in the welfare sector of the local community for the past 56 years. Currently, the Chest supports almost 50 welfare beneficiaries on behalf of the donors. All donations from corporate businesses, trusts, foundations and individuals are allocated to a wide range of beneficiaries who directly serve individuals and communities in need.

Companies supporting the Community Chest can now receive points on their BBBEE scorecard. Click here to read more.

Furthermore, we are partners with the Early Learning Centre for training of practitioners from Pre-schools and Educare centres. Another partnership is with the suppliers of miracle meals for the distribution of food to orphanages, pre-schools, soup kitchens and children’s homes. Community Chest of the Nelson Mandela Metropole is also a member of United Way International. We believe that effective social responsibility is effective partnership and networking.

The Community Chest is governed by a Board comprising volunteers from the community and is operated by a Chief Executive Officer with administrative and fundraising staff.