“I have the knowledge and experience now. I can do it!” the message echoed by Vuyiswa, at the conclusion of Habitat’s DIY Workshop in Orange Farm, Gauteng, on Nelson Mandela International Day. The workshop provided homeowners like Vuyiswa, with the knowledge and skills they need to make the changes and improvements they want to see in their homes and their community.
Thirty years ago, the United Nations declared the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day to highlight and draw attention to the fact that:
- 1 in 5 people in the world do not have access to decent shelter
- And in South Africa 11% of all households live in shacks or backyard dwellings
In commemoration of World Habitat Day, 3 October 2016, Habitat for Humanity is calling on all South Africans to mobilize teams to join them in their World Habitat Day events and help the communities of Orange Farm, (Gauteng) and in Mfuleni (Western Cape) with the building of new homes and critical DIY repairs to the homes of child-headed households, the elderly and the disabled.
"Everyone deserves the opportunity to create a better future for themselves and their families. When passionate active citizens are mobilised, this can be realised. Your participation in our World Habitat Day Team event ensures that communities like Orange Farm and Mfuleni are closer to achieving a better future through decent shelter. Support Habitat and be an advocate in action” explains Adrienne Burke, Habitat’s Marketing Manager.
About Habitat for Humanity South Africa
Habitat for Humanity South Africa is a national non-governmental organisation established in 1996, with the aim of promoting collective, sustainable transformation in communities. While an incredible 100 000 volunteers have helped 3 500 families build safe shelter, Habitat has grown its impact in the housing sector through holistic community development. Building strength, stability and self-reliance through a continuous cycle of dialogue, support, and capacity building, Habitat empowers communities with the tools and partners they need to rewrite their story.
Additional info on the areas where each of the Habitat events are taking place:
Orange Farm
Located 45km from the thriving Johannesburg metropolis in Gauteng, the Orange Farm community was first established in the late 1980s. Originating as an informal settlement, the community advocated for and secured tenure of their land in 1990.
The current population is estimated to be 1-million – making it one of the largest informal settlements around Johannesburg. Because of its marginal location, coupled with the history of spatial segregation or ‘separate development’, Orange Farm has limited social and economic development opportunities. As with many South African communities living in poverty, Orange Farm experiences high unemployment and limited access to sanitation, water, and decent housing.
Focusing on the need for shelter, Habitat first partnered with the community of Orange Farm to build 500 homes between 2008 and 2013. To achieve a more sustainable and thriving community, in 2015 Habitat and Orange Farm embarked on a new journey towards holistic community development. Habitat facilitates learning opportunities to equip the community and their leadership with the knowledge, skills and partnerships they need to create the community of their dreams.
Throughout the process, the community’s voice is at the center and forefront. Communities understand their own needs and development priorities and should be encouraged to define their future. To make this a reality, Habitat partners with communities, government and stakeholders.
Mfuleni
Although Mfuleni is located only 30km from Cape Town, its residents face many challenges accessing the opportunity and prosperity of the urban centre. The community developed rapidly with the inflow of new inhabitants from neighbouring townships in the 1990s, and is now home to over 20 000 households. Despite significant challenges, the vibrant community is eager to build a more inclusive and thriving living space.
Many of Mfuleni’s residents are elderly, disabled or economically vulnerable persons. As passionate active citizens, the community has advocated for and secured land tenure. Now they will finally be able to realise their dream in having decent shelter for the first time.
Since 2007, Habitat has helped build 488 homes in Mfuleni. Today Habitat has expanded its focus beyond housing to promoting collective, sustainable transformation in communities. While they facilitate holistic community development in partnership with the Mfuleni community, Habitat will also host Team Build events with VHP Holdings overseeing the construction of 1 000 homes. These Team Build events provide the opportunity for active citizens to come together to help build a thriving community where everyone has decent shelter.
Empowering local families is at the centre of everything Habitat does. During Habitat’s team events, community members play a vital role both on the build site and behind the scenes helping with essential logistical elements.