Community reaches out
Two sisters from Kenmare read the stories about the struggles of the people of the Soul City informal settlement and decided to make a difference.
Two siblings from Kenmare were so touched by the stories about the struggles of the forgotten people of Soul City, they decided to help.
The sisters Linda Earl and Coral Clutty decided to donate goods they no longer need for the betterment of this informal settlement’s people.
They read the story of Clara Ntsepo (62), founder of non-profit organisation Sisonkwe Sewing Beads and Crafters, who through her organisation has helped her community until her workshop was destroyed by jealous community members from the informal settlement about two years ago.
“We were very touched by her story and realised that we have fabric and sewing machines at home that we can give to her so that she can continue to make a difference,” says Linda.
She says the fabric and sewing machines belonged to their late mother and were tucked away in a cupboard.
“We thought we could donate it to someone who we knew would use it better than us, instead of thinking we might use it ourselves someday in future,” says Coral.
When they delivered it to Clara’s home, she could not hold back the tears and only said thank you over and over.
The sisters say they are concerned about the living conditions of the people from this informal settlement and are going to get more women from the community involved to teach the women from the informal settlement sewing skills.
“This is to ensure that the women are able either to sew their own or their families’ clothes, or to sew clothes they can sell to put food on the table,” says Coral.
“I am very keen to donate my talent. Even young girls can start learning sewing skills.”
She says that she also can show them how to make stuffed toys, which can be given to the children in this community.
Aaron Molefe Moarti (62) who lives in an open structure with only a dirty carpet as a blanket and little shelter from the cold, was surprised with new blankets and clothes to keep him warm during the winter period.
Aaron and Clara each were given a Bible.
“We shall write to the Mogale City Local Municipality as the living conditions of these people are appalling,” says Coral.
“Somebody needs to listen and see the conditions we have seen. It makes me angry and wonder what is happening to my tax money, because this is definitely not service delivery.”
