The infamous house at 41 Henning Street, where drugs are allegedly sold and prostitution is practised, has been deteriorating for the last five years.
But Barend Kotze, 26, who has started a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) named Ekklesia Equipping Ministries (EEM) now wants to change this, with a project called the Hope Foundation Project. Barend was searching for a place from which to run the foundation when he came upon the notorious property.
Also Read: The tear-jerking tale of a former prostitute
After going through the correct channels, he is now starting to renovate the house, and invited the Herald to see it. The state it is in is indescribable. In the one room, there are two single beds, and it is obvious that someone still lives there.
A woman, who according to neighbours, tried to commit suicide by burning herself in one of the rooms, also lived there.
Barend, who will be inaugurated as a pastor in November, has big plans for the house, and said it will be perfect for his purpose. He recently met with the other residents of the street, and received a very positive response to his idea to use the house for the Hope Foundation Project, because they are tired of the illegal activities currently being carried out there.
“The primary focus and goal of the Hope Foundation Project is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to reach out with a hand of hope to alleviate human suffering and help them grow in their faith in God,” he said.
The Hope Foundation Project will provide a place of care, encouragement and support to everyone on a spiritual, physical and emotional level so that they can carry their unexpected and untimely burdens more effectively.
“At our community workshops, we will train women and men who are without formal employment and have few opportunities to find work in basic business and working skills so that they can provide for their families,” he added.
The men will also be trained in woodwork, metalwork, building and construction, while the women will be trained in crocheting, sewing and beading.
The Foundation will be working with qualified local teachers to help children, teenagers, and adults of all ages to learn to read and write, educating them for a better tomorrow. But, because it’s an NPO, Barend needs the community’s help, in any way, shape or form – those who cannot help with donations or a service, can, for example, volunteer to help the renovations. High on the list of things that must be done are fencing, painting, pouring of cement, and so on.
For more information, please contact Barend on 084 439 6191.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
