Positive change can already be seen thanks to the actions of three dynamic Virginia women who are single-handedly restoring the once beautiful town to its former glory.
Scarcely a week into this massive project, hope is already evident as weeds and brush are removed to restore dignity and respect to the deceased laid to rest in the town’s cemetery and their families.
The names behind the nonprofit organisation (NPO) Hands of Grace are Chantél van den Berg, Natasha Pottas and Kay Strauss. The trio can be considered the driving force of the initiative.
These altruistic women have undertaken the task of cleaning Virginia’s cemetery, which has been neglected for many years.
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This daunting undertaking is not only taking many hours – so far in the first week of March – but is also costly considering the money going towards fuel for the bush cutters.
The current conflict in the Middle East has led to a spike in crude oil prices, with speculation that diesel could rise to R40 per litre and petrol prices increase by R8 per litre.
Nevertheless, this has not deterred the women, who have already cleaned one large block comprising eight smaller blocks. The full extent of the area to be cleaned will only be known once the cemetery register is located and consulted.
Due to the area being so overgrown, it is difficult to determine the exact size that needs to be cleaned.
“Before starting this huge task, people were requested to send in their CVs, as we were initially intending to employ the youth. The current crew are those who put up their hands and said they wanted to get involved.
“They all own their own bush cutters and small garden services in the rural areas. Remuneration will be made to them at the end of the month based on what funds are raised throughout the month by us,” says Van den Berg.
She emphasises that it is vitally important for the public to become involved.
“This they can do by paying a minimum fee of R50 per month per household. If a thousand households come on board, this will equate to R50 000, which could cover fuel costs and salaries.”
The trio undertake to promote the small garden services of the crews working for them.
“The crew we currently have on board will go with us as we move forward to the next project, which is Virginia’s entrances. The main aim is to bring some positivity back into the communities by uplifting them. In order for this project, and future projects, to succeed, it is vital that the community be involved.”
The public can follow the project’s progress on the Vista Facebook page to see what these dedicated women are accomplishing.
