The Curro “Donation”

To clear up some of the opportunism that exists in the neighbourhood and those that peddle gutter-gossip, here are the facts surrounding the Curro donation:
In 2020, just before the COVID pandemic, Bruce Pitso, Shaun Kirk and myself (David Epstein) negotiated a donation of R300 000 with the then principal (Principal #1) of Curro Rivonia. An invoice was requested from the NPO for half that amount and was paid into the bank account. An MoU was created at around this time (https://rivoniawoods.co.za/rwna-curro-rivonia-draft-mou/) as well as the basic principle that any donation would be used for the upliftment of the joint areas between Curro and Rivonia Woods. * This agreement was never finalised as it was bouncing around internally with Curro and their legal department and the Pandemic struck.

Principal#1 exits Curro Rivonia

We continued to engage with the new Principal #2, but essentially had no idea that there was still an amount of R150 000 “owing” to the community. It felt as if Curro had a hot potato on their hands with no-one wanting to assume responsibility. Little headway is made.

Principal #2 exits Curro

Principal #3 enters the scene and Bruce and I restart negotiations (again only having a vague idea of what transpired). Despite many meetings and a cordial relationship, it appeared that the outstanding R150 000 will not be “paid/donated” to us. The most concrete input we got was that Curro would like to see the guard-hut upgraded, however, they would not supply electricity to it).

Principal #3 exits Curro just last week, with Principal #4 being appointed and we expect to start from ground zero again.

The Committee and others agreed agreed that the “donation” would be kept under wraps from the larger community. This was maintained until it was announced prematurely on the community Whatsapp group by a community member that a donation had been made, and positioned it as if it was a Carte Blanche expose and took the “opportunity” to sensationalise this without having all the basic facts at hand. We really do urge community members not to peddle inaccurate information, instead call Bruce, myself or Charlotte (or email committee@rivoniawoods.co.za) to ask for the facts. One of the most important being that the “donation” was, and still is being considered to be paid back to Curro, (in part due to the somewhat dubious nature that it was “donated” and in part because some people believe it can be used for all community initiatives). This is the primary reason the Committee are cautious with this “donation/payment” and until just a few months ago, were still trying to finalise the commitment level with Curro in writing so that the money is actually ours and what is the status of the remaining R150 000 that was committed.

Again an appeal to community members to deal with facts and not gutter-gossip. Use the Whatsapp groups prudently. Stop peddling inaccurate / speculative and plain simple misinformation. We hope this now provides an overview of the “donation” from Curro and clarifies any misunderstandings.

Feel feel to drop us an email at committee@rivoniawoods.co.za should you require further information.

* It is important to note that the basis of the “donation” was that it was to be used for capital expenditure and not operational costs – hence why careful thought needs to be applied as to what the cost implications will be.