Marrc receives 5-star rating from international verification body

The Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics (Marrc) has been awarded the iZinga Assist Verification Icon, recognising the organisation’s regulatory compliance and community impact as it prepares for the upcoming local government elections. iZinga Assist is a United Kingdom-based digital verification, compliance, ratings and assistance platform focusing on sub-Saharan non-profit organisations (NPOs). In addition to bolstering the organisation’s credibility, the verification enables Marrc to access a Shoprite discount card, which offers reduced pricing on a range of essential items.

It will also allow the organisation to redeem donor funds directly in-store via Shoprite’s Money Market system, while accessing secure, traceable donor-funded goods and services through a channel supported by the iZinga Assist platform. Marrc CEO Anthony Waldhausen said iZinga Assist provides assurance to donors that their funds are going to credible, well-governed organisations. Waldhausen said the five-star rating from iZinga is a milestone achievement for the civic body, which, since its inception, has endeavoured to meet high standards of legal compliance, governance, financial management and impact.

“This verification icon is more than just a symbol; it’s a mark of trust,” he said. Marrc, the umbrella body for various ratepayers’ and residents’ associations (RRAs) across Pietermaritzburg, is facing a significant challenge as residents become disillusioned with the state of the city, where deteriorating infrastructure, delayed refuse collection and frequent power outages have become the norm. Waldhausen said the organisation is confronting the challenge by planning engagements aimed at improving voter education and participation ahead of the local government elections. We plan to hold workshops where we will share information about the role and responsibilities of local government and the actions residents can take when they feel those functions are not being fulfilled.