Kranskop 1-Stop brings joy and relieve
The Kranskop 1-Stop Garage, at the Kranskop Plaza between Bela-Bela and Modimolle straddling the N1-Highway, decided to invest in the local communities that have welcomed them and support their endeavours.
They have taken a page from Nelson Mandela’s book and decided that they will extend a helping hand not only for 67 minutes on Mandela Day but embrace the needs of Home Tekna and Home Talje in Bela-Bela for the next year.
Kobus du Plessis, one of the directors of the Kranskop 1-Stop, said that giving back to local communities is their priority, and what better way to kick off their ‘Mandela-Year’, than supporting the two unique refuge homes in Bela-Bela.
Home Talje is the only institution in South Africa that can care for extremely physically, and mentally disabled children, up to the age of 18, and according to Erika van Zyl, the manager of the home, they receive R5 000 subsidy per child, per month, but it is only paid twice a year. Maintenance and running costs of the institution take up most of their budget. As all the inhabitants are children with special needs they have to receive specialized care. Home Talje can accommodate 56 children and currently, they care for 35 children from the age of 3 to 21. It is extremely difficult to make ends meet without the support of donors.
On Wednesday, 17 July, the staff from Kranskop 1-Stop, donated nappies, and other sanitary products, and took some of the children on a stroll, through the streets of Bela-Bela. Sarel Huisamen, co-director from Kranskop 1-Stop even partook in feeding some of the children, which he found to be a very profound and moving experience.
The crew from Kranskop 1-Stop then proceeded to Home Tekna, a place of safety for minor children, where they met up with staff, and the excited young residents. Home Tekna was established in 1997, and the majority of children housed at the home were placed there by court order. Mark Rainier, chairperson of Home Tekna said, because some of the children have suffered from tremendous trauma, it is not possible to rotate staff, as children will form a special bond of trust with certain staff members. Surène Viljoen (manager), says:
“Our main objective is not to make Home Tekna just another children’s home, but rather provide a loving home for children”.
Kranskop 1-Stop also donated sanitary products, and non-perishable food products for Home Tekna, and will continue their support for both institutions until the next Mandela Day in 2025.
