JEFFREYS BAY – A heartwarming Christmas Lights Donation Campaign has raised R20 180.20 for a Jeffreys Bay children’s haven, demonstrating the power of community spirit and collective action in supporting vulnerable children.
Kouga Local Municipality, through the Office of the Executive Mayor and its Special Programmes Unit (SPU), led the festive initiative in partnership with CC Prints and Fountains Mall to support 7th Heaven Children’s Haven, a registered non-profit organisation that has provided care and a safe haven to neglected and abused children for more than two decades.
The campaign, inspired by Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman’s passion for giving back, culminated in a meaningful early Christmas celebration and cheque handover to the organisation.
The contribution will assist the Haven in continuing its vital work of providing a secure, nurturing environment for neglected and abused children.
Bornman commended both the organisation and the broader community for their compassion and willingness to uplift others.
“It gives me great pride to know that within our community, there are unsung servants and heroines who do extraordinary work in caring for neglected and abused children. This act of kindness is a true testament to the humility and compassion of our people, who are always willing to go the extra mile to uplift others,” said Bornman.
Founded in 2002 by Nelly Senong, 7th Heaven Children’s Haven has, for more than two decades, provided shelter, care and hope to children with nowhere else to turn.
Senong, who relocated to Jeffreys Bay after feeling a deep calling to serve vulnerable children, has devoted her life to restoring dignity, confidence and a sense of belonging to those placed in her care.
Raised in Johannesburg and Rustenburg, she attended a Christian school where she continually sought guidance about her life’s purpose.
“I thought that God was calling me to work in Rwanda when I saw the war and the circumstances of the children on television,” she recalled.
“But it was not meant to be. While I was teaching at a Christian school, my alarm clock radio – tuned to Radio Pulpit – woke me up. A lady from Jeffreys Bay was speaking on the programme. I believe the Lord woke me up and showed me the direction to go. I packed my bags and decided to try it for three months. I am still here 24 years later. This is my love story.”
Senong secured the haven’s first home at 7 Koraal Street, where she initially lived with 12 boys who had previously lived on the streets.
“In 2008, I received my first baby at the haven, and from then on, the babies kept coming, brought by social workers. Today, we care for 16 children between the ages of two and 20. The 20-year-old is currently in matric,” she said.
“I did not give birth to these children, but they feel like my own.”
Senong expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kouga Local Municipality and the donors who contributed to the campaign.
“This time of the year comes with many needs. The donation means a great deal to us. We are truly blessed to have been chosen,” she said.
She added that the needs of the haven remain extensive.
“Many of these children have experienced severe trauma and struggle to cope in mainstream schooling. They attend private schools where class sizes are smaller, and support is more personalised. We urgently need sponsors to ensure they receive the opportunities in life that they deserve.
“They did not choose to be born into these circumstances. They deserve to be loved. God has a plan for their lives.”
Through the municipality-led initiative, community members and visitors were encouraged to contribute throughout the festive season, demonstrating the powerful impact of collective action.
Additional support from Oasis Water in Jeffreys Bay further strengthened the campaign’s reach and success.
At the cheque handover ceremony, Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) Reinhardt Foley commended all stakeholders for their role in ensuring the sustainability of the organisation.
“It is always heartening to see communities coming together for a common purpose. This selfless gesture will go a long way in helping to keep the doors of 7th Heaven open, and it certainly does not go unnoticed,” said Foley.
The campaign brought together a wide network of partners, including Fountains Mall, Kouga Tourism, CC Prints, Ladies’ Lighthouse, Apex Synergy, and Kouga Local Municipality, reinforcing the municipality’s approach of building strong partnerships to address social challenges.
Marie Collins from CC Prints expressed her appreciation to Kouga Local Municipality and the Office of the Executive Mayor for their leadership and collaboration, emphasising that partnerships between government, business and the community are essential in creating lasting, meaningful change for vulnerable children.
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