Not just another brick in the wall: A story of Hope

“I am not just learning the skills of building. I am learning about myself, I am learning about what it means to create.”

How does one rebuild a broken community? How does one restore a sense of pride, when all hope has been eroded? Is it possible to regain a sense of purpose, in the midst of destruction? In the Imizamo Yethu informal settlement located in Hout Bay, Cape Town, six unemployed men are discovering that the answer to these complex questions is surprisingly simple: rebuilding begins brick by brick.

After widely publicised violence (https://www.enca.com/south-africa/gang-violence-erupts-hout-bay) and an alarming degree of lawlessness shook the foundation of this community, the HBCCA (Hout Bay Christian Community Association), with the help of its loyal sponsor Gartner Africa, answered the call for restoration to be made to the broken spirits of the Imizamo Yethu people. Hope had crumbled, but there remained an undaunted conviction that it could be rebuilt.

In consultation with the community elders, the HBCCA came to learn that much of the aggression stemmed from an underlying sense of worthlessness and desperation; that the perpetrators of the violence were not by nature violent men, but they were men who could no longer suppress the darkest aspects of their struggle to survive.

These were men with little or no education, few or non-existent skills – men who were gasping for breath in a place where everyone seemed trapped in the stranglehold of unemployment, poverty and despair. Futility and hatred appeared to be all that the world offered them, so they could find no reason not to offer the same in return.

Hennie Jacobs, HBCCA treasurer, longstanding servant of the community and active participant in the daily functioning of Iziko Lobomi (the HBCCA’s church-cum-adult training centre), proposed a simple answer to this cry for purpose, this plea for hope. A bricklaying course.

As a young man, he had experienced first-hand the joy and satisfaction that there is to be derived from the simple act of laying bricks and building something that lasts – joy that ultimately motivated his career as a quantity surveyor. His passion for making something from nothing enabled him to play an instrumental role in the construction of Iziko Lobomi some twenty years ago, an ambitious project that took over three years from conception to completion.

Hennie Jacobs sharing his love for building

This community centre was built during a pivotal time in South Africa’s history, as its construction echoed a national time of rebuilding. As Iziko Lobomi’s foundations were being laid, so too this young democracy sought to construct its identity from the rubble and ruin of a divided past. Under Hennie’s supervision and with the help of countless others, this open plot soon bore testimony to a new era of unity and collaboration. On the 19th of October, 1996, the “Iziko Lobomi - Centre of Life” stood proudly where before there had been only vacant land and forsaken dreams.

In light of the recent spate of problems experienced by the people of Imizamo Yethu, Hennie approached Gartner Africa with a novel proposal: the community elders would be consulted to propose a list of men most in need of help, whereafter six individuals would be drawn at random from this list to participate in an intensive, two-week bricklaying course under his watchful eye and expert tuition.

It was Hennie’s aim for these men to not merely learn how to lay bricks or build walls, but to learn lessons that no future hardship could destroy – he hoped to equip them with the knowledge that they are capable, that they are strong, that they have something lasting to contribute.

With Gartner Africa’s sponsorship of over R25,000.00 secured, it was possible for each participant to be equipped with the best tools, the best construction wear and training of the utmost professionalism. Yet the true value of this sponsorship cannot be calculated in monetary terms, for the worth of renewed self-esteem defies all conventional measurement.

The training commenced on the 14th of September and is currently being conducted on a makeshift platform at the Iziko Lobomi centre, a place that remains the throbbing heart of the Imizamo Yethu community some two decades into its existence. The HBCCA wanted the training to take place in a visible location, so that passers-by and visitors to the centre could witness the commitment of these men to learn, to grow, to heal.

The course is presently in its second week and there is already a visible difference in the stance of these men – they are walking taller, they are standing their ground with conviction and pride. As one of them remarked with a smile, “I am not just learning the skills of building. I am learning about myself, I am learning about what it means to create.”

Bricklaying is perhaps a humble trade, but don’t let its lack of fanfare fool you. Those who practice its precise skills and disciplined processes cherish the knowledge that without their handiwork, an architect’s plans would remain worthless blueprints, houses would never provide shelter and early morning sunlight would not gleam upon the windows of magnificent skyscrapers.

Behind each of these feats is the bricklayer that we have taken for granted, the bricklayer whose quiet, unseen precision is there for us to behold should we simply take the time to do so. With spirit levels, trowels, stooped heads and deft hands, bricklayers are the invisible creators of far more than we imagine. There is no doubt that they have often been instrumental in giving form to the places that we call home.

Those who are participating in this training are men who had so little left to believe in, men who had been walled in by the limitations of their circumstances. What these two weeks aims to instil in each person is an appreciation of their own worth, an understanding that dignity and self-respect are vital tools that will empower them to chisel away at their hopelessness.

Bricklaying takes a physical toll and requires physical strength, yet by the end of this course, it is hoped that these men will have learnt how to hone and strengthen their innermost musculature, the musculature of their minds. Such strength may help them to face future challenges with a strong-willed determination to succeed, instead of resorting to the weakness and cowardice of violence.

Training these men to harness the timeless skill of bricklaying certainly serves a purpose; yet concurrently evoking within them an awareness of their ability to surmount obstacles, is training for life.

The mainstream media has frequently depicted Imizamo Yethu as a violent, unstable, unsafe place – many perceive it to blight the otherwise pristine serenity of Hout Bay.

Whilst there may indeed be elements of truth in these negative portrayals, it must be acknowledged that Imizamo Yethu is a cultural kaleidoscope teeming with dynamic, complex and vibrant facets. To depict only its darkness is to suppress the beauty of its light.

Brick by brick, many of the structures that surround us were built – brick by brick, these six men of Imizamo Yethu are being given a chance to be the architects of their futures, the builders of their dreams.

My interest in this project is purely personal - I can't claim any involvement with the wonderful work that is being done, apart from popping in with the occasional supply of sandwiches and other snacky rations for the hungry men. For more information, please consult the HBCCA's website (http://www.hbcca.co.za/), they truly are a beacon of hope to countless people in this community and any support would be deeply appreciated.

Bedazzlement at the Baphumelele Community Project!

Khayelitsha is one of Cape Town’s largest informal settlements, a maze of corrugated iron and tangled telephone wires, and is the scene of my second outing in the name of HAHA (Help Another Human or Animal). As I navigated my dotty way to the Baphumelele Community Project and Children’s Home, I was able to take in a few of the sights, sounds and smells of this intriguingly vibrant place.

The streets are a writhing mass of enterprise and activity, as shopkeepers hope to sell anything from tired vegetables and scraggly chickens to defeated-looking sofas and battered kitchen sinks. The odd, bony cow lethargically chews its cud, observing the bustle it is surrounded by with bored and disinterested eyes, whilst dogs of every description and uncertain breed scratch, yowl and bark in general merriment. Children run, hop, skip and jump everywhere you look, their clothes dusty with play and their eyes bright with mischief.

As one drives along the incoherent tangle of streets, one sees sights such as the proprietor of the ‘God Bless Customers Barber Shop’ standing languidly in the doorway of his establishment, waving occasionally to a friend walking by, comb and scissors in hand. On almost every corner there skulks an illegal drinking tavern or Shebeen, spilling recklessly onto the sidewalk, its flimsy walls seemingly alive and throbbing with the pulse of the music and alcohol that courses through its veins.

The impression that struck me most powerfully was that, despite its rampant poverty, Khayelitsha somehow manages to retain an air of optimism; whilst being fully aware of the squalour and hardship that characterises it, this place and the people who live there somehow seem to remain incomprehensibly upbeat. It is unquestionable that the suffering and impoverishment of Khayelitsha’s inhabitants is very real, yet it is as though they still manage to find some essence of hope and joy in the midst of their desperate struggle to survive.

As much as I was enjoying marveling at everyday Khayelitsha life and being continually astonished by the baffling assortment of canine species on display, I was in fact attempting to reach Baphumelele. This was rendered somewhat difficult, due to my GPS’ evil delight in directing me into solid and impassable obstacles, resulting in a heated battle of wills between an automated female voice and myself.

After being steered into an assortment of walls/ditches/informal cattle pens, a friendly passer-by saw my despair and kindly directed me onto the correct route. At long last I was nearing the Baphumelele Children’s home, a remarkable place that was established over twenty years ago by the extraordinary kindness of one very special lady.

At last! BAPHUMELELE! Victory!

You will probably not have heard of Rosie (or Rosalia Mashale, to be precise) before. You may not know her story of sacrifice or her tale of compassion. A trained primary school teacher, she moved from the Eastern Cape to Khayelitsha in 1989, and upon her arrival she quickly became aware of the plight of her new community. Instead of briskly looking the other way, she chose to face the harrowing problem of child abuse, abandonment and destitution squarely in the eye.

Sleeping on the floor of her own house, Rosie took in children who had nowhere to call their home. Her vision was not grand, it was simple: where there was pain, she sought to relieve it, where there was no hope, she would provide.

Today, Baphumele is an iconic symbol of her selfless dedication to protect children for no reason other than that was what her heart compelled her to do. 

Starting within the four walls of Rosie’s home, her vision has expanded to a sprawling, interlinked complex of structures, each serving a specific function and addressing a particular area of need. A brick-and-mortar tribute to the enormity of her compassion, these buildings now provide a place of safety to some 106 children, aged 0 – 18. 

Here, they can play, live, learn and revel in the ultimate luxury of childhood – being free and being unafraid. Within the walls of Baphumelele and under the watchful eye of Rosie's team, these children are secure in the knowledge that they have not been forgotten, they are important and have a future that is worth fighting for.

I had the privilege of being given an in-depth, guided tour of Baphumelele by the charming and eloquent Sisi Noni. Bustling with the authoritative pride of a beaming Mother Hen, she took me to see the houses where the children are accommodated and explained to me the core philosophies that underscore the manner in which these vulnerable little humans are cared for within Baphumelele, in accordance with the wishes of their prima-matriarch, Rosie.

Sisi Noni waves a cheerful HELLO!

Ani and the wonderful Sisi Noni

The emphasis is at all times to recreate the feeling of home – no more than 8 children per “cluster house” of which there are eleven in total, boys and girls looked after in separate buildings. 

Each house has a dedicated roster of caregivers who take shifts to ensure that there is always someone on site to look after the children, whether it be to make breakfast in the cold mornings before schooltime or to read stories in the evenings when another day is done. Baphumelele employs a total of 45 caregivers in order to be able to give the children focused attention and dedicated care, having recently taken on an extra 15 personnel so as to lighten the load somewhat.

The buildings each have their own character, which is often influenced by the donor that had made its existence a possibility; for example, the Holland House proudly represents its heritage with its fluttering flag and bold Netherlands-orange walls.

The American Consulate of Cape Town sponsored the Infant and Toddler facility (the 12th house, accommodating 16 tiny humans), and this cheerful, Jungle Book themed building is alive with murals of Baloo, Mowgli and friends. The infants who are now lovingly watched over and cared for in the safety of their painted jungle did not always have the luxury of warmth or the promise of comfort. They may in fact have had nowhere to go, after being found huddled in plastic bags in litter-strewn alleys or swaddled in blankets on train station benches, had the community not known that there was at least one place where these babies would be welcome, one place that would take them in - Baphumelele.

A sense of warmth and innocence pervaded each of the houses I visited, elements that are so essential for the growth and development of any child. Teddy bears sit happily on sofas, seemingly content and looking forward to watching their favourite TV programme later on in the day; the comforting aromas of a homecooked meal linger in the kitchen; the bright crayon scribbles of drawings adorn the walls; a scuffed table and rickety chairs stand ready and waiting for young minds to arrive from school and huddle over their homework. Beds are neatly made, soccer boots stand dutifully at the door – these aren’t the cold, neglected quarters of orphans or abandoned children; these really are homes, lit from within by the enormous empathy of people who work there.

In order to maintain its reputation as a place whose doors are always open to destitute children in need of shelter, Baphumelele relies very heavily on the contributions made by donors. Baphumelele receives a woefully meager allowance from the South African government, as is the case with many such organisations, with the Department of Social Welfare only providing an estimated 30 - 35% of each child’s costs. Baphumelele is entirely reliant upon donations to make up for the remainder of the expenses associated with caring for its children, and their excellent website (http://www.baphumelele.org.za) details ways in which one can contribute to the various projects they run and specifies exactly where there greatest areas of need are.

When I asked Sisi Noni what ‘Baphumelele’ means, she hesitated for a moment, until a glint of defiance flickered across her eyes. “We have won!” she said, beaming with joy, “It means we have won!” A simple statement, powerful in its intensity, resonant with victory and pride.

What a fitting name for a place that represents triumph over despair and the overcoming of insurmountable odds; a place that in its 24th year may stand proudly, head aloft and declare that the abandonment and vulnerability of children will continue to be challenged and defeated by the power of one woman’s love.

I really had such a wonderful time at Baphumelele, thank you to Sisi Noni for being such an enthusiastic guide and hostess, she made me feel very welcome and gave me such an in-depth tour of the facilities! I will still post some excerpts of the tour, but for now here is a video of the talk I did for the children, which includes MAGIC, yes, MAGIC! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LohiZrXVwDE)

The feathers obtained from Fred were all gathered with his consent, in fact he keeps a few of them for occasions such as these and only permits VERY SPECIAL humans to have them, because they are so powerful and shouldn't end up in the hands of rascals or scallywags. I would therefore like to clarify that no Golden Pheasants were harmed in the making of this video!

A few photos of my visit to Baphumelele:

Lots of Love and HAHA xxxxx Ani

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LohiZrXVwDE

You'll NEVER want to wake up from this Icedream!

Nestled in a quaint little corner of Hout Bay is a 'Gelateria' that will delight you with its charm and mesmerise you with its authentic Italian ice cream. This may well be the most delicious place where ‘Miranda the Polkadot Panda’ has made a habitat for herself, despite bamboo gelato sadly not being a flavour currently on offer. As the name of this well-loved establishment suggests, a visit to 'Icedream' will whisk you away to a flavour destination seemingly too wonderful to be occurring in waking life.

Even the Cappucinos are smiling at Icedream

Icedream is not merely an ice cream shop - it is a hallowed place where many tastebuds have come to rejoice in the glory of homemade gelato for nearly twenty years. A not-so-secret-best-kept-secret, worshipers from far and wide frequently make the pilgimmage to Mama Liana, Luigi and Fabrizio's cosy sanctuary for the senses.

Upon arrival outside, one is greeted by fluttering umbrellas, colourful tables and pots bursting with smiling petunias, welcoming one and hinting at the splendours that await within. Once inside Icedream, one is drawn impulsively closer by the magnetic allure of the gleaming ice cream counter in the centre of the shop, brightly illuminated and filled with a glorious rainbow of frozen delights. It is here that casual visitors are transformed into lifelong devotees, as they realise they have stumbled upon a holy gelato grail, waiting to be savoured scoop by delicious scoop.

Please be warned: The Ice Cream counter has a certain MAGNETIC POWER MERE MORTALS CANNOT RESIST

In this dark age of artificial colourants, synthetic flavours, hidden fats and sneaky sugars, Icedream proudly upholds the tradition of authenticity and natural goodness. Handcrafted with love, all of their gelato is made on the premises in a cherished Italian tradition and consists solely of organic, natural ingredients. With recipes handed down from generation to generation, Luigi and Fabrizio whip and whisk, churn and chill until sheer frozen perfection is achieved. Never again will you approach the humble ice cream in the same way again - your status as a Connoisseur of the Cone will make it impossible for you to so much as LOOK at any industrially manufactured frozen horrors.

An addiction you will never wish to be cured of 

All of the fruit used to make the sorbets is juiced freshly on the premises and converted into an icy tribute to nature. These delicate taste-sensations linger lightly on one’s tongue with a crisp, invigorating freshness and are the perfect accompaniment to a sunny day. Unforgettably, one is tantalised by the silky swirls of mango, the zesty vibrance of orange or the heady thrill of ginger.

The eggs used for the milk-based ice cream are laid by plump, free-range hens and all of the flavours – pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, tiramisu to name but a few – are made from carefully sourced, pure ingredients. For example, Icedream’s voluptuous vanilla is dotted with specks of vanilla pod imported from Zanzibar, whilst the sensational Stracciatella contains splinters of the finest chocolate. Upon your first encounter with the melting miracles you encounter at Icedream, you may well be urged to pinch yourself to confirm that you are indeed awake, but there is no need for alarm – this is a perfectly normal response.

Perhaps what makes this gelateria truly special is that in contrast to the cold, icy delights that make them famous, each visitor to Icedream is treated to a warm, hearty welcome. Scarcely inside, the enthusiastic shouts of “Ciao! Bonjourno! Come stai?” will greet your ears, as ‘Mama Liana’, brother Luigi or son Fabrizio beckon you to enter this shrine of sweet delights. Whole generations have come regularly for their double scoops of heaven and generous portions of Italian hugs, and Liana has watched with fondness as little faces, scarcely able to see into the counter, inevitably return many years later to bring little faces of their own to press their noses eagerly against the glass and point excitedly at "the pink one! The PINK one, mommy, I want the PINK one!"

 Liana and Luigi - it's a wonder that the warmth of their smiles doesn't melt all the ice cream!

So, to sum up, to encapsulate, to conclude: if you wish to take your taste-buds to a dreamland they will never wish to emerge from – there is only one destination: Icedream, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, The World.

IceDream is situated in the Main Road of Hout Bay, next to the Luigi's Italian restaurant in a part of town locals refer to as "Little Italy". They are open seven days a week, so your craving can be satisfied on a daily basis. Call +27 21 790 2496 for any enquiries.