Tongaat’s Haven of Rest celebrates 21 years of social upliftment

Tongaat-based halfway house for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, Haven of Rest is celebrating 21 years of service as it continues to play an incredible role in social upliftment and community development.

An umbrella non-government organisation, Haven of Rest was founded by Ronnie and Shirley Naidoo.

The Naidoos were inspired to start the institution which would cater for social development, enhancement and welfare of the community.

“Having grown up poor, I knew what being in need of assistance was like. The young and elderly both needed help,” said Ronnie, who said they had already been running a soup kitchen for more than a year and a half when they decided to start the NGO.

The Haven of Rest property was bought from Tongaat Hulett by Investec who hoped to sell it for R10-million in 1992.

However, after hearing what the Naidoos had in mind, it was sold to them in 2000 for R1.2-million.

“God came through for us. We did not even have the deposit of R125 000, however by a number of miracles we received donations of some R174 000.”

Within 6 years, and with the help of donors, the total amount was paid off.

More than a halfway house, Haven of Rest also provides cluster foster care for children, has an old age home, a medical clinic and runs the Hope Centre for abused women.

It also provides care for the terminally ill through Hands of Compassion.

Its primary objective however remains to reach out to the physically, emotionally and spiritually disadvantaged community.

Also a non-profit, Haven of Rest has run successfully for the past 2 decades through assistance provided by volunteers, caregivers, sponsors, civil societies and a host of other organisations.

Despite the struggles endured through the Covid-19 pandemic and unrest in July, the Haven has helped countless community members in need of food and other relief.

During the unrest it helped more than 500 families in desperate need of food.

Ronnie says it still feels like yesterday that they bought the old Tongaat group hospital.

“By God’s grace and the goodwill of our covenant partners, we have come this far. We are truly grateful to God, our Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and all of those who share in what we are doing and those in partnership with us.”

Haven of Rest also offers a number of skills development offers, including sewing and fashion design, as well as horticulture, on top of the 300 meals a day which it gives to those in need.

To support Haven of Rest, contact 032 944 6364.

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