GQEBERHA – When crisis strikes, one thing residents of Gqeberha can always rely on is the extraordinary heart of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay.

From supporting vulnerable animals to standing behind children in need, this is a community that consistently shows up when it matters most.

Earlier this month, the MTR Smit Children’s Haven — a home caring for 84 vulnerable children — made an urgent public appeal for assistance after severe storm damage left parts of its facility badly affected.

The organisation called for donations of both perishable and non-perishable food to help sustain daily meals until expected State funding is received at the end of May.

Senior social worker, Maliska Gravett, explained that the appeal came at a time when the haven was already under pressure due to delayed subsidies.

“We made our first plea before the floods and severe weather because we have not yet received our subsidies that were due in April,” Gravett shared.

She added that the initial response from the public was immediate and deeply appreciated.

“The first plea was to ask for support for our pantry. Restaurant owners and individuals came forward, we had deliveries done, and then a week later, the big storm hit.”

Once again, the response reflected the spirit of the city known as the Friendly City.

The same community of Nelson Mandela Bay came together to help rebuild SPCA Uitenhage during a time of uncertainty earlier this year, raising more than R2.7 million to secure its future.

Structural losses and financial pressure

In the case of the children’s haven, the recent storm caused significant structural damage, including the collapse of a wall, and damage to rooftops, electric fencing, and the security gate motor.

Gravett described the impact on already limited resources. “The gate motor was recently replaced at a cost of R20,000 before being damaged again,” she said.

She added that the damage escalated quickly after severe weather, including hail and flooding, resulting in an estimated R130,000 in losses. While insured, the organisation must still cover a 10% co-payment.

Despite the challenges, she said community support has been overwhelming.

“We have had so much support; we have enough food until the end of the month,” she shared. “You can imagine how many groceries are needed. Schools, restaurant owners, churches, individuals — there is always a special thank you to those who ask not to be named and so many who came forward to help.”

She also highlighted ongoing maintenance needs due to the age of the facility.

“With all of the damage, running so many households, the houses built in 1980, there is always something that needs to be done.”

Community response and ongoing care

The organisation, which started in 1918 in response to the influenza-era crisis that left many children orphaned, was established in a small town in the northern part of the Eastern Cape.

“When COVID happened, we came full circle; it was like deja vu,” Gravett said, reflecting on its long history of responding to crises affecting vulnerable children.

In 1987, the haven moved to Gqeberha onto land donated by a former mayor of the metro.

“We take care of 83 children; 76 are state subsidised, and they live in seven different houses,” Gravett explained. “It’s like running multiple households.”

There are around nine to 14 children per household across the facility.

The children are not orphaned but have been placed there by the State due to abandonment, neglect, or abuse.

“Sometimes they come for two years at a time and other times it’s longer,” Gravett said.

While the organisation is non-profit and non-governmental, it remains dependent on subsidies from the Department of Social Development, which are often delayed.

“We are subsidised by the Department of Social Development and our financial year runs from 1 April to the end of March,” she said.

Beyond immediate care, the haven focuses on life skills development for older children, using donated tools and equipment for practical training.

“We prepare our older children — how to run a budget, how to screw a lightbulb; any of those practical things that people are not using, we are open to receiving them,” Gravett said. “What we cannot use we will share with an organisation that has a dire need.”

The organisation also operates a Friday thrift shop from 09:00 to 14:00, with proceeds supporting fuel, food, and maintenance costs.

The Haven currently supports children from the age of three up until 20. “Our youngest is three, and we usually have children up to before they turn 18, but they are allowed if they are still at school or varsity,” Gravett said.

She added that even small acts of kindness continue to make a difference.

“There are even children who come in with their piggy banks — even the smallest contribution,” she said. “It is so heartwarming to us.”

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