In the gale-force winds on Wednesday, parents and children shuffled into the shelter of Gonubie Farmer’s Hall, which was filled with song at the Lift Campaign Family Fun Fair.
Organised by the Jika Uluntu Community Centre NPO, run by 2022 Daily Dispatch Local Hero winner Ziyanda Xaso, hundreds of people from Brakfontein were assisted by a collection of organisations.
These ranged from the departments of health, social development and home affairs, the police, the South African National Biodiversity Institute and the Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Institute (MatCH) to financial institutions and other organisations.
“We felt that because we are active in this community and we know the statistics in this community, we needed to partner with others to bring services,” Xaso said.
We want the children to benefit, which is why we put it together as a family fun day so parents can come with their children
“We want the children to benefit, which is why we put it together as a family fun day so parents can come with their children ... this is a perfect opportunity to get your health services, home affairs is here, counsellors are here, and also private organisations, like Standard Bank and Old Mutual, who are here to talk about financial services.”
Gazebos from each organisation had been set up on the outskirts of the hall while, in adjacent rooms, nurses and trained counsellors were ready to offer free HIV testing, TB and STI screenings and medication.
“We try to provide a holistic service within a family and within the community that aligns with our four pillars — of education, health and wellness, household economic strengthening, and child protection and safeguarding,” Xaso said.
“It’s all about exposing children to a myriad of services so that they can see the possibilities because they live in an area where opportunities are very limited.
“We are so grateful for our partnerships, we are a small NPO, we aren’t able to do everything, so we rely on them and it’s encouraging that every time we send out a call, they come.”
Each child also received a hot meal on the day.
Ncumisa Nkcithakali, 42, from Brakfontein, said: “Many people living here don’t have money for transport to town to get IDs, are not familiar with clinics or [medications], and now they can get help.”
Esethu Sotheni, a project co-ordinator at Bumb’INGOMSO, was overwhelmed by the size of the turnout.
“I’m excited, it’s lovely. This is one of the communities that has been neglected for a long time. It shows how much NGOs are needed in these communities.
“Our intention is to engage children on issues of gender equality, HIV and aids. Our sports are very educational.
“We try to use sports as a way of saying ‘hey, come together, speak about these issues and you’ll realise you are more alike than different’.”
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