Celebrating 17 years of serving the Amanzimtoti community

The Seed Of Hope (SOH) Community Development commemorated its 17th birthday with a month of well-deserved celebrations.

This has been a journey of hope that the organisation brought to the community of Bhekulwandle and surrounding areas, and founders and staff members believe it has significantly proven God’s great plans for the community.

Not so long ago, the centre was known as a Bible college. Thereafter SOH became known as a counselling centre that provided knowledge on HIV and AIDS as well as pregnancy testing and counselling. With the ease of accessibility to medication and information regarding HIV and AIDS, the need of the community shifted and people were better equipped on how to take care of their health.

“This shift allowed us to go deeper in finding out what the community needed apart from what the organisation had been providing. This led to a new vision of restoring the community through restored individuals,” said co-founder Heather Leibenberg.

READ ALSO: New CEO appointed at Seed of Hope

This transformation led to the implementation of various skills programmes such as life skills, employment preparation, sewing, baking, farming and computer skills. Making these programmes available was an innovative way to meet people where they were. What sets the organisation apart is that it caters for children and youth, young adults and the elderly, and that has helped it make an all-rounded impact on the community.

A significant milestone in SOH’s journey was when the title deed to the property was handed over by Inkosi Nathi Maphumulo in 2019.

“I’m amazed at the years most of our team members have been with the organisation and how it has evolved over the years,” said recently appointed CEO, Londiwe Myeza. “Even with Covid-19 upon us, I’m fully convinced the organisation will adapt and continue to serve the community for many years to come.

READ ALSO: Guardian angel protecting Amanzimtoti children

“We are grateful to our founders, Heather and the late Derek Liebenberg for pursuing this vision. It such a great honour to be a part of their legacy and we are now walking in the harvest of the seeds they planted 17 years ago.”

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