“Balela”, the isiXhosa and isiZulu word for “shining bright and warm, like the sun out of the cloudless sky”, perfectly captures what East Rand Mall’s new social responsibility initiative wants for its community: warmth, brightness and hope.

Balela, a social responsibility programme specially designed by East Rand Mall, is indeed a ray of hope for worthy organisations in need of funding and support.

“East Rand Mall forms the heart of the East Rand community. It is not only a shopping centre, it is a meeting place,” says Ormond Vosloo, centre manager of East Rand Mall. “That is why we decided to start this extraordinary initiative. We want to give something back to our community.”

The mall will choose one organisation each year and support that beneficiary in every way it can.

“Balela is definitely not about handing over a big once-off cheque to the charity we choose,” says Vosloo. “It’s about getting our hands dirty and really getting involved with the charity. We will use all the resources at our disposal to help.”

East Rand Mall is looking for a worthy charity, institution, NGO, school or hospital in need of support. The beneficiary must be situated in one of the following areas: Boksburg, Benoni, Edenvale, Vosloorus, Brakpan, Springs or Kempton Park.

Organisations in these areas can submit tender documents to East Rand Mall before 5 pm, 11th June. The successful applicant will be announced by the end of July. 

“If your organisation is in need of a helping hand, please do not hesitate to send us your proposal,” Vosloo added.

Proposals must include the name, contact details and a brief description of the organisation. It must also include an explanation of what the support would be used for along with a few suggestions of fundraising events that could be held at East Rand Mall.

Proposals will only be considered from bona fide organisations, schools, hospitals or institutions. For more details on the information that must be included in proposals, please contact Jess Gouws on 011 823 1110, email her on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.eastrandmall.co.za.

Proposals may be hand-delivered to the East Rand Mall Information Kiosk, e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or faxed to 011 823 4232.