Latest news with #Krugersdorp-based
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
WATCH: Mandela Day magic: Volunteers bring light to the Cradle of Hope
The Cradle of Hope (COH), a well-known nonprofit organisation, was supported by the community's generosity this Mandela Day. Janine Masters, a marketer at COH, said they had a busy day, with numerous volunteers and donors lending a hand to make a difference. 'They helped out with our various programmes, including feeding schemes, packing food parcels and preparing soil for our Harvest of Hope food garden.' The organisation also received donations, including food, clothing, toys, and nappies. Inteligro Krugersdorp assisted them with their sustainable food garden project that will benefit the community. Natasha Labuschagne, Inteligro's business assistant, said they donated their labour by working the soil, seedlings, and all necessary equipment. 'We wanted to give back to the community, and when I came across what the COH does, we decided this is who we want to support for this Mandela Day. We also plan to continue supporting them to help them become more sustainable,' Natasha said. Local law firm JB Hugo & Cronje Inc also contributed their labour by unwrapping and packing thousands of baked bean cans. Director at the firm, Shanette Jacobs, said nine of them decided to do this, as charity begins at home, being a Krugersdorp-based organisation. 'While we are not making a financial contribution on this occasion, we are honoured to support the charity through active volunteer work. We believe that giving our time and energy allows us to connect more personally with the cause and contribute meaningfully. Our team will assist in their baked bean store, helping to remove labels from donated tins distributed to those in need. We also acknowledge the importance of financial donations and are proud to complement those efforts with our hands-on support,' Shanette said. They chose to support COH not only because of the profound and lasting impact they have on the lives of vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children. 'In a country where domestic violence remains a critical issue, their work is both necessary and inspiring. What sets this organisation apart is that they go beyond simply handing out food parcels – they invest in each person they help, equipping them with the tools and support needed to rebuild their lives and thrive. As a law firm, they often work with individuals facing difficult circumstances, many victims of domestic violence and other vulnerabilities. 'Our role is usually to support them through legal channels, helping them navigate the justice system and reclaim their rights. But we also recognise that healing and empowerment extend beyond the courtroom.' Volunteering at the COH offered them a different, more personal way to contribute by being present, offering their time, and supporting an organisation that walks alongside these individuals every step of the way. 'It's a way for us to live out our values beyond our legal work and stand in solidarity with those who need it most in our community,' she added. COH logistics facilitator Cathie Coetzee concluded that they are short-staffed, and the volunteers who helped made a real difference. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Toolbox powers on despite funding crisis
The Toolbox Empowerment Hub has, over the past two years, helped to breathe new life into neighbourhoods throughout the Northside, working closely with residents' associations (RA) to effectively fill the void left by largely ineffective municipal entities. From working diligently to restore green belts to their original glory, to ridding the area of invasive trees, clearing waterways, and maintaining curbs, they do it all. The difference they've made in neighbourhoods is plain for anyone to see, and goes far beyond simply improving the aesthetics of the area. Open spaces have been cleared, thereby minimising activities such as illegal recycling and vagrancy. Also read: Toyota backs Toolbox Hub with bakkie to boost community projects Infrastructure that was hidden beneath overgrowth for years has been revealed once more, often leading to the discovery of longstanding water leaks, sewage spills and other pressing problems. According to Andrew Holdsworth, who runs the Toolbox Empowerment Hub on behalf of Krugersdorp-based charitable organisation, The Bethany House Trust (BHT), the initiative is a massive success on every front. 'We've just completed an extensive cleanup in Laser Park, and we'll be starting on a new project for the WRAP [Willowbrooke, Ruimsig, Amorosa and Poortview] RA in the next week or so,' he says. Toolbox was born from a need to improve the success rates of rehabilitation and re-integration efforts by BHT's shelter for men. 'It was evident that traditional rehabilitation programmes are ineffective,' says Andrew. 'The rate of relapse was unbelievable, simply because users would come into the programme after hitting rock bottom, with no prospects whatsoever. The one thing we could not provide through traditional rehabilitation treatment was that. 'You can't help someone with no prospects, no hope, and no money. The Toolbox initiative gives people the chance to retake control of their lives. In addition to personal and coping skills they are taught, they also learn practical work skills, and they are able to earn an honest income, thereby restoring their sense of dignity and pride. 'It also provides them something to aim for, since they can work themselves up to higher levels within the programme. 'Our successes speak for themselves.' However, the Department of Social Development does not agree, as the hub's funding application was denied, meaning the positive impacts seen in the current financial year are significantly lower than it was last year. 'Last year, we managed to help 815 people work through the programmes. That is 815 families that now have an active breadwinner, thanks to this initiative. 'Our partnerships with the different RAs and local businesses enable us to carry on our work, but not nearly to the extent that we would like to.' The Toolbox team, in partnership with CFAO Mobility dealership IC Auto Nissan, is currently in the process of starting a community garden where fresh produce will be grown for distribution to various charitable causes and school feeding programmes. 'This should provide stable work for about 40 people,' says Andrew. 'We look forward to even more opportunities with the residents' associations and local businesses for the upliftment of neighbourhoods. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
