Lessons learned from the past
For Hlokomela, the sudden loss of funding was a shock, but it was not the first time they had faced a crisis. Founded in 2005, the clinic had weathered challenges before and had learned valuable lessons along the way.
One of the key lessons they had learned was the importance of diversifying their funding sources. Over the years, Hlokomela had worked hard to secure funding from various sources, both local and international, to ensure that they were not overly reliant on one source of funding.
This diversification of funding sources had helped them to continue providing essential services even when faced with unexpected funding cuts, such as the recent USAid cuts. It had also allowed them to maintain a level of financial stability that many other organizations lacked.
Another lesson they had learned was the importance of building strong relationships with the communities they served. By working closely with the local farmworkers and community members, Hlokomela had built a network of support that proved invaluable during times of crisis.
When the funding for their HIV testing team was cut, it was the community health workers, or nompilos, who stepped up to fill the gap. These dedicated individuals, who had been trained by Hlokomela in health education and screening, played a crucial role in ensuring that essential health services continued to reach those in need.
Overall, the experience of facing the USAid funding cuts crisis had reinforced Hlokomela’s belief in the importance of being adaptable and resilient in the face of adversity. By drawing on the lessons they had learned over the years, they were able to navigate the crisis and continue providing vital health services to their community.
As they look towards the future, Hlokomela remains committed to their mission of improving the health and well-being of the farmworkers and community members they serve. With their strong foundation of experience and resilience, they are well-positioned to overcome whatever challenges may come their way.
And for Sindy Nkuna, the news of the funding cuts may have been scary at first, but she now feels hopeful about the future.
“I am grateful for the support we have received from the community and from our partners,” she says. “Together, we will continue to work towards a healthier and brighter future for all.”
The Hlokomela organization has faced challenges in the past when it relied heavily on a single donor, the UN International Organisation for Migration (IOM), for funding. When the IOM funding ended in 2016, Hlokomela had to quickly find other sources of funding to avoid closing down. This experience taught them the importance of diversifying their funding sources to ensure sustainability.
Over the years, Hlokomela has successfully diversified its funding by securing grants from organizations such as the Discovery Fund, the Aids Foundation South Africa via the Global Fund, Adcock Ingram, and the Australian High Commission. They also receive donations from individuals, businesses, and lodges in the area. Additionally, the provincial health department provides medication, including HIV treatments, to support their operations.
To further enhance their financial stability, Hlokomela took proactive measures to share the cost of health services with employers. They implemented a three-tier co-payment system in 2021, where employers contribute a monthly fee based on their staff size, and employees pay a percentage of the consultation fee when visiting the clinic. This system has been successful in generating revenue and ensuring the sustainability of their services.
In addition to co-payments, Hlokomela has also ventured into selling fresh produce from their garden to retailers and local lodges, further diversifying their income streams. This initiative has proven to be a valuable source of revenue for the organization.
Despite facing challenges such as the potential impact of funding cuts from the US-based philanthropic foundations under the Trump administration, Hlokomela remains resilient and committed to providing essential health services to the community. They have weathered past crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, without having to lay off staff, and are determined to find alternative solutions to sustain their outreach HIV testing programs.
In conclusion, the story of Hlokomela serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of diversifying funding sources, sharing costs with stakeholders, and exploring innovative revenue streams to ensure the long-term sustainability of essential services. By adopting a proactive and resilient approach, organizations like Hlokomela can navigate through challenges and continue making a positive impact on the community. The Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism recently published a story that shed light on a pressing health issue. However, it is important to note that the individuals involved in the story did not have any input in its content. This means that the story was solely based on the research and investigation conducted by the journalists at Bhekisisa.
The story, which was produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, highlighted the importance of addressing a specific health concern. Readers were encouraged to sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about important health issues.
It is crucial to recognize the hard work and dedication of the journalists at Bhekisisa in bringing important health issues to the forefront. Their commitment to providing accurate and valuable information to the public is commendable.
Moving forward, it is essential for journalists and news outlets to continue to prioritize transparency and accuracy in their reporting. By ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in the content that is being produced, we can create a more inclusive and informed society.
Overall, the story produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism serves as a reminder of the importance of journalism in raising awareness about critical health issues. It is a call to action for all of us to stay informed and engaged in discussions surrounding health and well-being.
