SASDI Newsletter
SASDI Newletter, June 2009
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Mzamomhle Crèche
Wallacedene may be a poor community, but the sense of family and of community spirit that exudes from the people living here is quite honestly, astounding. It was my privilege to experience this at the Opening Ceremony of the Mzamomhle Crèche.
“We must remember where we come from, but we must always keep moving forward”. These wise words were spoken by Germiston, the Master of Ceremonies at Saturday’s event. From the humble beginnings of a three roomed shack with a leaky roof and a mud floor, it took two long years, a lot of hard work and the passion and commitment of Margaret Ngaleka (Creche Director), SASDI, Wings of Support (Holland), Stichting Mzamomhle (Holland) and the support of many local and foreign volunteers, to make the dream of a solid structure a reality. Emotions ran high as the implications of what we had achieved sank in.
Whilst the ceremony was a formal affair, the dancing and singing conveyed the true feelings of the day. Feelings of uninhibited joy flowed through the crowd, as the very meaning of the word Ubuntu came to life. English and Xhosa were spoken and translated; all those involved in the project were given an opportunity to speak, foreign and local, white, black and coloured came together to celebrate an achievement that is going to make a significant positive impact in the lives of the children living in Wallacedene community.
Henk Vugteveen from “Wings of Support Foundation” in Holland, pointed out that while money is always a necessity in projects such as these, what’s really important is the people that make it work. The Mzamomhle Crèche Project is a testimony to this. On Saturday, I found many of my assumptions about both rich and poor people challenged. My perceptions that poor people wanted handouts and that rich people preferred to throw money at a problem and then hope that it all went away, were shattered. I found myself standing next to foreign donors who had worked hard, side by side with Margaret and her local volunteers, to make the crèche a reality. I saw tears being shed as donors, who had become friends, gave Margaret a written undertaking that they would continue to support her and her amazing project. Margaret’s speech was both dignified and humorous (a uniquely African skill) as she expressed both her deep gratitude for all the support, local and foreign, as well as a determination to work harder than ever before, to make the project a success.
As South Africans, we live in uncertain times. Stories of political turmoil, corruption and crime dominate our headlines. On Saturday, I learnt that one does not need to go far in Cape Town to find amazing people like Margaret doing powerful work to re-build their communities. We should focus on these people, these invisible heroes and their largely untold stories of success and progress, then perhaps we will come to believe in our country once again and move forward … one relationship, one crèche, one community at a time.
Jean Fryer – Proud South African
Desmond Tutu Building on Faith, Sept 2008
From a short meeting with Rod Watson, our UK Teamleader, to arriving in Cape Town, it all seemed like no time at all. Was I ready? I knew the Lord had been challenging me for two years to put my house building skills to use for Him, now he was reminding me how much I needed Him.
Nothing had prepared me for the bus journey from Cape Town International airport; it was the size of the Townships that surprised me, we had seen the video from the previous year’s build, but I really hadn’t anticipated the sheer number of shacks. Then we arrive in Cape Town, find ourselves in the shadow of Table Mountain just by the V&A Waterfront, what a beautiful setting, what a beautiful city!
During our In-Country Orientation, Stuart Hendry from SASDI, describes Cape Town as “the tale of two cities”. I totally agree, I was left with the question, Cape Town - Western world or developing world?
Day one- A day of rain, from the elation of meeting Linda, our home owner from the community, and then the frustration of not being able to build, to the site of Mfuleni in the rain, an emotional day, that ended with lots of prayer that the rain would cease.
Days Two & Three- The rain ceases, over Mfuleni at least and we get to build, the first two days are hard physical work, we are effectively labouring for the bricklayers, but the joy in seeing the house take shape is awesome.
Day Four- Sun is out, we pitch the roof, this was the most enjoyable time for me, a chance to get actively involved in the construction, really good day were we exceed expectations and get over half the roof tiled.
Day Five- Final day! After an early morning trip to Table Mountain, we get going again, with everyone eager to get the shell of Linda’s home completed. We make good progress and by 3.00pm we reach our building target for the week. The House Dedication Ceremony where we handover the house to our homeowner was a really emotional experience. We as the volunteers, tried in vain, to explain to Linda and her family, what we got out of our week long building experience in her community.
I think I have left my heart in Cape town. I can’t wait to get involved again next year, I’ve come back to the UK on a mission to raise two build teams for next year. That will mean two more South African families that won’t have to live in shacks anymore.
I’ve been involved in house building for nearly 20 years, never has it given me so much pleasure. Surely this is what our Lord means when He asked me to get involved in His Kingdom.
Chris Edge – United Kingdom
