Honouring Madiba’s legacy by going the extra mile
For many, it was the first time they had been treated with dignity and respect in many years.
Local organisation Siyabonga Africa last week set out to reach the homeless, abandoned and forgotten people who live in dire circumstances in and around the CBDs of Brakpan, Springs, Benoni and Boksburg.
The week-long activities were held in commemoration of Mandela Day.
By the end of the week over 400 people, living in utter poverty, were impacted by the work of the organisation.
For almost 35 years, Siyabonga Africa has existed to help those in need.
Siyabonga Africa is a non-profit organisation, based in Brenthurst, which operates numerous programmes for the purpose of poverty alleviation.
The work of the organisation extends throughout Ekurhuleni in the form of skills training and support for micro-entrepreneurs, but the programme, which has become most vital in recent times, is Siyabonga Africa’s Street to Feet programme.
There is an increasing number of homeless people who find shelter in parks, under bridges, in abandoned buildings and other unsafe circumstances in CBDs throughout Ekurhuleni.
Also read: Nelson Mandela Day: A timeline of Madiba’s 100 years
Life on the street is no joke. The harsh circumstances are no respecter of persons regardless of age, race, gender or religion.
Siyabonga Africa is engaging with people who are currently living, and often trapped, in street life, providing basic needs support, creating awareness and placing people where they will be receiving the specialised care they require in order to get back on their feet and ultimately become a positive contributor in society.
In honour of Mandela Day, Siyabonga Africa joined hands with partners, community stakeholders and volunteers, to bring hope and warmth to those who have to brace the cold winter months without adequate basic necessities such as food and housing.
Some of the highlights of what was achieved throughout the week included:
• July 16: In Butler Park, Geduld, over 50 homeless people received food, blankets, warm gloves, beanies and medical help at the mobile clinic.
• July 17: At the Benoni Plaza, over 70 young people living in unspeakable circumstances received food, blankets, warm gloves, boots and beanies, 10 of whom asked for help to escape a life of drugs and abuse.
Siyabonga Africa is assisting them in the application process for rehabilitation, including medical checks, transport, toiletries and clothing.
• July 18: Siyabonga Africa joined various stakeholders in an event which reached out to members of the Jacob’s Farm community in Springs.
The 30 abandoned and neglected households received aid in the form of food, blankets, winter warmers, clothing, toys, information and much more.
That afternoon, the Siyabonga Africa team continued serving the homeless and hungry in Brakpan, near the Bosman Stadium.
Eighty-eight people, some of whom are mothers and pensioners, received warm blankets, food, clothing, beanies and gloves.
The Siyabonga Africa volunteers engaged with a number of people who are affected by substance abuse in some or other way, to provide information on access to help and support.
• July 20: Along Cason Road in Boksburg, over 100 adults and children received aid in the form of food, blankets, beanies, gloves and goodies for the little ones.
Also read: Pack a meal for a child in need on Mandela Day
One elderly gentleman, with gaping and oozing wounds on his legs, requested medical help and a place to stay.
Siyabonga Africa is in the process of linking him to the specialised care he needs.
In total, over 400 people, living in unimaginable circumstances, were reached.
For many, it was the first time they had been treated with dignity and respect in many years.
This was made possible due to the many friends and partners of Siyabonga Africa who support the organisation on an ongoing basis.
Siyabonga Africa’s work in the Street to Feet programme continues.
If you would like to assist in any way, contact Siyabonga Africa’s Street to Feet programme manager, Carol Mofokeng at carol@siyabongaafrica.org.za or 011 744 4350.
More of the organisation’s work can be found on www.siyabongaafrica.org.za
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