| International Day for the Eradication of Poverty |
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Opening speakers at the event were Councillor Mandla Zulu and Jabulani Thomo whose main objective was to inform the residents as to why they had all gathered at the Doornkop Community Hall. They acknowledged the difficulties they were all facing and that despite the many promises by others they were confident that the organisations present on this day and the residents of Thulani could begin to stand together and eradicate poverty in their community. Executive Director of Amnesty International, Nokuthula Magudulela, expressed their intentions to assist the community where they need it. She also extended information about Amnesty International-SA, clarifying that they are an NGO’s and not part of the government as some of the residents raised concerns about previous promises by the government that were yet to be fulfilled, and fearing that these statements by the organisations were just as empty. Gino Govender Advisor at Amnesty International spoke next and he brought reassurance to the community, doing his best to convince them that he understood poverty and all the organisations participating on this Day of Action were capable of assisting one way or the other and in time there will be progress. He comforted them with stories of poverty in his own life, how he too had gone without certain luxuries when he was younger, therefore knowing the pain that many felt and thus his willingness to create a better livelihood for them and their families. A play was performed, drawing emphasis on poverty as an issue of the world not just as an issue in Thulani. Two drama students was all it took, one being from Zimbabwe and feeling the harshness of poverty there, making the people realise that we all stand united in this fight, no matter what country we may come from. After the play Jackie Khumalo, Campaign Coordinator of Amnesty international and Thifulufheli Colbert Sithumule, Paralegal Caseworker of Black Sash approached the mic with questions for the community that would help assist the organisations understand their needs. Their first question being, “what are the residents of Thulani most proud of in their community?” Unfortunately there seemed to be very little, and some residents complained about “councillors not doing their job properly,” as many of them still suffer. One gentleman was proud of the fact that he had received the RDP house he was promised, though not all shared that pride as not all had received their houses. They spoke about the farming project, saying it is a good idea,they just need different grounds for their farming as not all of it is fertile and they need informatiion on how to obtain the land aswell as the farming equipment. Residents were unhappy about the “mountain” as they call it, which is actually a mine dump in the area, which they believe to be the cause of a lot of illness and diseases that the residents are experiencing such as TB. They complained about a lack of medicine in the clinics giving them no way of treating the illnesses. The second question was about the Stakeholders in the community and what they were doing to help? Residents responded by saying some Stakeholders come and go. Others have helped but disappeared soon after, and many have offered to help but required money for their services which the residents do not have. While a few Stakeholders have actually helped some residents and are continuing to do so. A lady spoke about a Stakeholder who has assisted her family with food and taking care of her mentally unstable father since her mother had passed away. They were then asked, if they could, what changes would they make in the community? Residents chose to start with the young people and their education. They felt that they could be given more. Feeling as though the young people go unnoticed, and are not at the top of the list for business opportunities. They would like the women in their community to be given employment, as so many have families that they need to take care of. They would like assistance with their homes as some of them can have up to six families living in one house. The residents are unaware of who owns some of the community developments and would like a place where they are able to make all the necessary enquiries. Members from the different organisations were then given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the residents to help them understand what each organisation was about. Organisations present on the Day of Action were:
Prepared for GCAP-SA by Dani Martin Bookmark this article:          |
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