SOME of the homeless people who occupy the now-derelict Congella Sports Club have taken an initiative to better their lives and the environment in which they reside. They have organised themselves to “give back to the community”.

Themba Mthethwa, the founder of New Beginnings, resides in a flat directly opposite the sports club, and has observed what the occupants get up to. This motivated him to organise them into a working group, especially those in their 30s and 40s.

When Berea Mail visited the club, the homeless were cutting the grass and shrubs inside the club and along the street. Mthethwa shared, “I used to watch the guys coming back from feeding spots in the morning, and realised that all they would do is linger around with nothing to do. These are some of the homeless who are turning their lives around, and all they need is support to stay on course, something to occupy their time with.”

Some of them have already attended counselling, workshops in sewing, financial literacy and life skills. They hope to visit neighbouring schools to educate the youth about the dangers of drug use and crime.
They are appealing for support from the community and organisations to assist with gardening tools and seedlings, as they plan to start a community garden within the club.

“We also urge good Samaritans to donate soccer kits, water tanks, jackets, blankets, mobile toilets and rubble bins. We would like to show the community that we are changing for the better and would like to be a shining example. Some of them are talented artists, woodworkers and singers,” Mthethwa added.

Also read: Umbilo Sports Club under siege

The club houses the local homeless and foreigners, including pensioners who could use some form of assistance with indoor games. Although the municipality has plans for the club, the occupants hope that they will not be moved; instead, form part of the Umbilo community with meaningful contributions.

Mthethwa concluded that the community can lend a helping hand through the rehabilitation process, instead of labelling all the occupants as criminals and drug addicts, because some of them are genuinely turning over a new leaf.

For support contact Themba Mthethwa on +27 63 925 6027

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