Sonop is a haven of hope for its residents
“This is a place of hope and unity, rooted in a culture of caring.”
Towering trees cast long shadows across the sandy paths snaking past the 90 stands in the Sonop Caravan Park, Agate Street, Farrarmere.
In the distance, you hear little ones reciting nursery rhymes while clutching crayons and feverishly drawing colourful pictures.
It has been 56 years since Danie Jonker Senior established the permanent low-cost housing complex.
Originally earmarked as a drive-in movie theatre, Jonker did an about-turn on its development, when he noticed the plight of some of the city’s residents seeking affordable residence.
Stepping into his father’s footsteps, Danie Junior, along with former Sonop resident Elsie Paulsen, is expanding its reach by establishing Sonop Givers NPC.
“For many, this facility is a last resort; a stepping stone to relaunch life,” said Marya Waskow, a long-time resident.
“Traumatic situations forced us to live here, but it soon becomes the home you never had.”
According to Paulsen, there is an assumption that the caravan park is a ‘white squatter camp’ for troubled individuals.
“This cannot be further from the truth. Most residents work full time and are family men and women like anyone else. Living here is not a last-ditch attempt to stay off the streets,” she said.
“Some residents move on to greater things, but those who remain do so because it is an affordable and safe community. It is a testament to Danie Jonker Senior’s vision of creating a conducive living area.”
Nova Heath (81) settled her foldable caravan in the park in the early 1970s, becoming one of its first permanent residents.
Currently, the oldest Sonop resident, her trusty caravan has made way for a bigger version flanked by additional wooden structures, where she spends her days in the company of her two dogs.
“We are a little community. We may not have much but we are comfortable here,” she said, showing off the vintage vehicle which brought her to her abode more than five decades ago.
“Children play in the streets and neighbours speak to one another. This is a very special place.”
Ensuring those living within the confines of the park have access to outreach services, they made available three stands to Paulsen and her team of givers, to enrich the lives of the park residents.
Armed with tools, screws and gusto, industrious residents assisted in building a daycare centre, to provide quality foundation phase learning to some of the younger residents.
“We have 20 children attending the centre. We provide them with two healthy and balanced meals and snacks,” she said.
“Since its establishment in August 2023, parents can go to work knowing their little ones are in a safe learning environment.”
Boasting with 5 000 books which include vital study guides, the library offers older learners a well-organised space to study, do research and complete school projects.
“We have a computer and printer to help learners complete their assignments. I hope to have access to the internet to assist them further in doing online research while making it available to adult residents to submit CVs and perform other internet-based functions.”
Walking to her next project, Paulsen unlocks the door to the newly completed second-hand shop.
Filled with pre-loved items, the store offers items free of charge, to all residents.
“I am excited about the loan section! We have matric farewell dresses and other formal items which can be used for those special occasions,” she said.
“I want to further develop the space to offer skills development workshops to enable residents to create sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities.”
Jonker said community-based support will have a far-reaching impact on the lives of Sonop residents.
“An ongoing need is food,” he said.
“Any assistance with non-perishable food items will help those needing a caring hand. We welcome donations and assistance in all forms.”
For more information about Sonop Givers and how to assist, call Paulsen on 082 399 3671.
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