“ It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it. ”
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organisation inspired by these words. Through “participatory development, advocacy and awareness”, it is said to be “breaking the cycle of poverty in South Africa”. And its work in Pelican Park over the past three years, is testament to that.
In the run-up to Nelson Mandela International Day 2015, Habitat for Humanity, its partners, Pelican Park community members and volunteers have worked every day to help build more than 20 homes.
See galleries of video and images on Instagram #habitatmadiba67
A photo posted by Gavin Thomson (@gavin_thomson_) on
Marketing Manager, Adrienne Burke explains: “Over the last five days we’ve seen people, across continents, come together to use their hands to create a better place. Our work here goes beyond 67 minutes or 67 hours.”
Day 3 huddle with the volunteers after a hard days work on site
Posted by Habitat for Humanity South Africa on Thursday, July 16, 2015
Volunteers from the US, Northern Ireland and South Africa have “put his [Madiba] legacy to action” wearing hard hats, yellow bibs and gloves. Through carrying bricks and mixing dugga, friendships have been made and houses built.
One group of American university students joined the Habitat for Humanity group a week before the build to help scope the community. Visiting 200 homes, they engaged with community members about their needs and how best to implement the changes they want.
With several key partners, Habitat for Humanity has worked tirelessly to “empower people to bring about change they want in their community”, adds Adrienne.
Amina Marinus, secretary of the Pelican Park Owners’ Association says, “There have been lots of changes. We are a new community, and together with law enforcement we are trying to make it as drug-free and crime-free as possible. This is one our biggest challenges as a community.”
Despite the torrential rain and icy temperatures on Friday, 17 July, about 200 people representing schools, churches and businesses eagerly gathered at Pelican Park Primary School to continue the build.
Before being entertained by Minstrels in bright purple-and-yellow costumes, volunteer, Evan-Lee Courie described the experience as “amazing”. He says:“It’s been very fulfilling. I feel privileged to give back to people less fortunate, and not just for Mandela Day.”
Pelican Park resident and beneficiary, Gail Johnstone received a house last year. Like many of the recipients, she was on the municipal housing waiting list for 21 years. “I can’t describe the feeling. It’s overwhelming. I am the only one of my mother’s children to have my own home.”
Talking about the day she received a letter stating she’s one of 67 others to get a house, Gail is emotional and proud. “I helped build my own home, and getting to know the people who built my home was awesome. That’s why this year, I’ve decided to give back. To say thank you and show my appreciation. If it wasn’t for Madiba’s passion, I would never have a house.”
Volunteers get ready to help build homes as part of Habitat for Humanity's 2015 Mandela Build Week
Gavin Thomson, a cartoonist by profession, has been a volunteer for 10 years. After seeing Madiba in London in 1995, he was inspired to move back to South Africa. “His vision, his hope, his compassion is what inspires me. He was the father of our nation. A loving and kind, and sometimes strict father. And the longer we do this, the longer we keep the dream alive.”
To find out more about how Habitat for Humanity is making every day a Mandela Day, visit their website on http://habitat.org.za/.
To see how Habitat builds homes, communities and hope, visit www.habitat.org.za/video
