Repairs are currently underway at Philisa Abafazi Bethu after severe storm damage left the facility’s early childhood development (ECD) centre and safehouse exposed and vulnerable earlier this month.
On Monday 11 May, strong winds caused extensive damage to the Retreat-based non-profit organisation (NPO), blowing away the ECD centre’s roof, damaging perimeter fencing and collapsing surrounding walls (“Retreat ECD damaged”, People’s Post, 19 May).
The NPO appealed to the public for donations to assist with urgent repairs following the storm.
Founded in 2008 by Lucinda Evans, Philisa Abafazi Bethu — meaning “Heal Our Women” in Xhosa — operates centres in Retreat and Lavender Hill.
The NPO provides shelter and support to victims of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic abuse and vulnerable children through counselling, legal support, community outreach programmes and safehouses. It also operates an ECD centre for young children.
Following the storm damage, the NPO received support from the Rotary Club of Newlands, which has partnered with Philisa for more than a decade.
According to Rotary Club of Newlands member Terry Lancaster, the club immediately mobilised resources after assessing the extent of the damage.
“Our Rotary Club is the Rotary Club of Newlands and we have been assisting Philisa Abafazi Bethu for about 12 years and have done a number of projects with them,” said Lancaster.
Earlier in March, Philisa celebrated the launch of the Young Minds Academy (Pyma), which was developed through a collaboration between Pyma, the Rotary Club of Newlands and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (“Pyma opens new ECD in Retreat”, People’s Post, 31 March).
Lancaster explained that both recently completed projects suffered considerable damage during the storm.
“The ECD had roof damage and, using the builders who had only recently completed the new building, the damages to the roof were fixed and improved on in case of further storms,” he said.
He added that the baby safehouse sustained extensive damage, with surrounding walls collapsing and leaving the property exposed.
“Newlands Rotary assessed the damages and, using funds put aside in their disaster management account, employed builders to replace the damaged walls and safeguard the children again.”
Repair work is currently ongoing and expected to be completed within the next week. Lancaster said.
Rotary members are regularly visiting both sites to monitor progress and ensure repairs meet the required standards.
The Rotary Club has also assisted the organisation in reaching the halfway mark of its R30 000 fundraising target to repair damaged fencing and infrastructure.
Despite the setback caused by the storm, Evans said the organisation remains committed to continuing its services for women and children in vulnerable situations.
For more information or to assist, contact Evans on 073 424 4665.
ALSO READ: Philisa Abafazi Bethu appeals for support after storm damage
