Operation Jumpstart Association is a grant maker which was formed back in 1992.

"The main object of Operation Jumpstart Association is to alleviate human suffering through the support of various projects and the provision of resources and services to organisations that are registered as public benefit organisations as defined in Section 30(1) of the Income Tax Act, within the Province of Kwazulu Natal".  

We believe that local people are in the best position to identify their own needs and find the best solutions to their problems.  We offer assistance in the form of premises in which to operate and in some instances we support organisations with equipment for running their offices.

Establishment of Operation Jumpstart Association

About Operation Jumpstart

The KZN Lotto ran successfully for five years (1992 - 1996), during which time a significant amount of funds was accrued for charitable donation.  Operation Jumpstart was established to manage these funds and identify opportunities within the province to contribute to worthy causes, initialy with focus on grass roots educational facilities including school classrooms, creches and adult education centres.

Since its inception in 1992, Operation Jumpstart Association (OJA) is proud to have been associated with many crucial projects which have improved the lives of the individuals and communities in the province.

Development stages of Operation Jumpstart Association

In April 1998 the OJA Board decided to establish Community Care Centres (CCC), a non-profit organization(NPO) with an associated management board, as it primary vehicle for implementation. In July 2000 another associate of OJA named Wheelchairs KZN (WKZN) was established with the purpose of empwering people with special needs in KwaZulu Natal by supplying them with assistive devices for mobility.

i) More on what is a Community Care Centre

A Community Care Centre is a local facility which deals with specific problems such as:

1. Alcohol and substance abuse
2. Domestic violence
3. Terminally ill people
4. Orphaned and Abandoned babies

A Community Care Centre will typically provide a number of interventions including a safe haven for victims and vulnerable people, counselling and care and education or training initiatives.  They offer a safety net for the most vulnerable members of our society.

In funding and mentoring Community Care Centres, Operation Jumpstart seeks to educate and inform the public, to let them know that there are places where assistance can be found and to encourage communities to start their own initiatives.

Example of Some Projects Supported by OJA Through CCC

Here is an example of the types of projects we fund:

Ithemba Lethu (I have a destiny)
Shepherd's Keep
Open Door Crisis Centre

ii) More on what is Wheelchairs KZN

Wheelchairs KZN was founded by Operation Jumpstart in response to the need to restore some mobility and dignity to those who genuinely could not afford to purchase their own, or access them through the department of health.

Did you know?

The average cost for a basic well manufactured, locally produce wheelchair is R2 000. 

That Wheelchairs KZN does not deal directly with applications from individuals but work through referals from recognised instutions.

Since the organisation began, it has provided more than 9, 500 wheelchairs to needy people in the province.  Wheelchairs KZN works with a variety of organizations including NPOs, hospitals, schools, welfare organisations and FBOs.

How to apply for a wheelchair

Any person with a disability that makes mobility difficult can contact any of the following:

1. Local Hospitals or Clinics - speak to the occupational or physiotherapist.
2. Local organisation like APD or APC.
3. Local special schools occupational therapist or phone us for a referral to local person who has the forms.