Mariannhill precious centre vandalised, stripped during looting

The JABULANI Self-Help Centre, which has been in existence for more than 30 years, has been stripped of its windows, doors, gates, pipes, roof sheets and valuable equipment.

Prior to the looting, the centre had already become a soft target for criminals, who stripped it of its copper pipes and taps.

ALSO READ: Criminals target Mariannhill centre

The founder, Sr Marco Gneis, started it to help impoverished communities and to empower women. Born in Austria, Gneis moved to South Africa in the 1960s.

She worked at a children’s ward at St Mary’s Hospital and the poverty she witnessed made her decide to make a change in the lives of the people in the Mariannhill area.

Gloria Shange, who now oversees the running of the organisation, as Gneis is now in frail care due to her health and age, said it pained her to see the shelter in such a sad state.

“I still cannot believe that people from the community could do this to a place which helped everyone and did not discriminate. I am just shattered,” she said with teary eyes.

Shange said they provided for many families through the soup kitchen and crèche. The centre runs projects for women such as sewing, baking, and gardening to assist them to earn an income

ALSO READ: Sr Marco is an ‘angel’ to Mariannhill community

                                                           
“We are surrounded by impoverished communities with limited job opportunities. Even learners came here after school for food. Sr Marco even supported many families financially and has assisted a number of children with school fees and uniforms.

“We had a building which served as a crèche for the little ones and a separate one for Grade R, which I personally taught. We even had a library. We did not turn anyone away. We had counsellors and people who knocked on our doors for help and would leave with a smile and food parcels,” she said.

One of the buildings was used by men who did carpentry. “Sr Marco donated coffins to families in need. We did so many things and seeing this place in pieces kills me,” she said.

ALSO READ: Learners spread Christmas cheer at Mariannhill self-help centre

With assistance, Shange tried to get food donations for the 120 beneficiaries who depend on the centre on a daily basis.

“We are in need of help,” she said. “So many people are now suffering because of this senseless looting.”

To assist the shelter, contact Gloria Shange on 084 5133 670.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts. Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.