The abandoned and severely vandalised Safmarine Community Hall in Wellington is deeply rooted in the history of this Boland community.
When human-rights activist and former police officer Henry (Jakes) Jacobs heard the Drakenstein Municipality had plans to demolish the building he and his team at the Children, Youth, and Family Services (CYFS) organisation immediately stepped in and are now using their personal earnings to save this once loved facility.
Jacobs was a sergeant in the South African Police Service at the time of the establishment of the centre back in late ’90s.
The facility was donated by Somchem in Somerset West, a division of munitions manufacturer Denel.
Jacobs lead the team responsible for transporting the facility’s material from Somerset West to Wellington.
The initial idea was for the facility to serve as a multi-purpose centre, with a key focus on youth development and empowerment.
Over the years the centre was office to several faith-based human-rights and government organisations.
More recently it was also used for community events, birthdays and weddings.
It saddened Jacobs on his recent return to South Africa, after emigrating to the US and Australia, to find the facility in its current state.
“The place has been severely vandalised. This would not have happened if it was properly maintained by the municipality over the years.
“Now, the very same municipality who created the problem planned on demolishing the building.”
Jacobs said a plan was presented to the municipality, after which it was agreed the building would be leased to CYFS for a period of five years.
“It has taken us two months to do some of the basic maintenance just so that we can set our offices up here.
“A lot more will, however, have to be done so we can reach our desired goals and vision, which are for this building to serve as a source of information, training and support services to the community.
“The idea is to bring the services to the people so they do not have to use their own means to travel into town.”
He said CYFS plans on being home to various government departments such as welfare-grant agency Sassa, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) at the Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs and the police.
“Gender-based violence remains one of our biggest social scourges as a society. We want to offer support services to victims of such violence so they do not have to go to police offices, where they are likely to be even further traumatised.
“The centre is a beacon of hope. It has the potential to address many challenges that our communities face. Since the municipality indicated it does not intend to assist with the restoration costs, we will need to assistance of the community to restore this place to its former glory.” Jacobs said other services will include family planning and assistance, child welfare and youth development.
Drakenstein Municipality’s Executive Director of Corporate and Planning Services, Seraj Johaar, said: “The demolition of the building was considered at some stage, but in light of the proposal received this was re-considered.
“A temporary 90-day lease has been approved. The proposed gratis lease of the subject property for a period of five years has been approved in principle, and the report will serve before council in January 2025 for final approval.”
“All costs related to the refurbishment, upgrading and maintenance of the property will be for the cost of the applicant and in consultation with the municipality’s facility and maintenance section.”
Jacobs said anyone who wishes to assist with the refurbishment costs can contact him on 076 374 8119 or via email on ceo@cyfs.co.za.
