As part of honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Survè Philanthropies spent Mandela Day giving back to the communities of Athlone and Simon’s Town.

In Athlone, the staff and trainees of Athlone’s Training Workshop Unlimited, which is a project of Cape Mental Health, were treated to a warm meal and drink as part of Survè Philanthropies’ continued charitable efforts.

Training Workshops Unlimited provides appropriate skills and employment training to empower persons with intellectual disability to achieve their fullest potential. They also work with individuals between the ages of 18 and 60.

Madiga Ryklief, who was in attendance on behalf of the Survé Philanthropies, said the reason they chose to work with Training Workshop Unlimited is that many in the area are poverty-stricken, and disabled people are left on the periphery of society.

“Some of them are orphans who are living with family members, which is extremely difficult for them, while others don’t even get their social grants anymore. So it’s extremely, extremely bad, and the situations are very tough for them.

“So we’re here at the haven, trying to ease the burden a little bit by giving them something to eat, providing the bread, so now and then, and some fish paste.”

Ryklief said that they decided to focus on uplifting the Athlone area because they’ve witnessed just how great the need is in the community with previous outreach efforts.

“Survé Philanthropies also fixed their bathrooms and things like that, because it was in the state. They don’t get a lot of funding. So they reached out to us and we said, because we’ve been here before, and because the need is so dire in Athlone and specifically at this one, we’d offer our help.”

Cape Mental Health spokesperson Barbara Meyer said: “The staff and trainees would like to thank Survé Philanthropies for their generous donation of a warm lunch and a cold drink on Nelson Mandela Day.

“They would also like to thank the sponsor for the continued support, not only for Nelson Mandela Day but throughout the year. Many of the trainees do not bring lunch with them, and money is especially difficult in the middle of the month. TWU offers sandwiches for the hungry trainees, but the tasty akhni was a very special treat for everyone. Thank you.”

Survè Philanthropies also donated various food items to support the team and residents at Happy Valley Home, in the heart of Simon’s Town.

The Happy Valley Home is a haven for many homeless people. This isn’t just your average shelter situated on a mountain overlooking the city; it is home to around 63 residents. Their ages range from 18-year-olds who are just starting in life to 60-year-olds approaching the later stages of their lives.

Each person has their own unique story, but they all share one thing in common: a desire to change their lives for the better. Happy Valley Home helps them do exactly that.

In addition to offering shelter, the home also provides access to skills development and mental health rehabilitation, something the staff are very proud of.

Happy Valley Home shelter manager, Patrick Msakayeya, said: “We have registered 63 clients, 53 are male and 10 are female, although the number changes daily.”

During the winter months, Happy Valley Home often takes in individuals over the age of 60, aiming to help as many as possible off the streets.

“We do make exceptions where we take in 65- and 75-year-olds because we want to help as many people as we can, especially during these colder months,” Msakayeya said.

Looking ahead, Msakayeya shared how people can support the shelter.

“We accept all kinds of donations. Clothing goes directly to our clients, and we also have a clothing store located a bit further up. In terms of food, we would greatly appreciate non-perishable items that can be stored and used long-term.”

With the support of the community, organisations like Survè Philanthropies, and the unwavering dedication of its staff, Hally Valley Home remains a beacon of hope for those seeking a second chance.

Ryklief explained that for the Survè Philanthropies, their outreach efforts go beyond Mandela Day as they’ve often stepped in to assist with small treats and the dire essentials.

“For us to actually give the little bit that we do, and you can really see that it makes a huge impact for them, they really appreciate every little thing we do, and every little thing we bring.

“For Survè Philanthropies, this is only a drop in the ocean of what we do. We do various initiatives. It’s not just to aid and empower poverty-stricken communities. We have educational programs that we do, anti-trafficking campaigns, and music initiatives,” Ryklief said.

“For Dr Iqbal Survé and the Survé family, especially with their connection to having come from Athlone, it is very dear to Dr Survé’s heart, and for us as well, because it’s just amazing to be able to see the impact and the smiles on their faces when you do something great.

“When you can help out and see how they really appreciate every little bit, it’s just unimaginable.”

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za 

daniel.young@inl.co.za

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