Seed of Hope to take ownership of property

There was a celebration at the Seed of Hope (SOH) organisation in Bhekuwandle last week when it received the paper work to begin the process of transferring the land into its name.

In 1994 the Nazarene Bible College in Bhekulwandle was left empty and unused and it became home to many squatters and drug users. In 2003 Derek and Heather Liebenberg started SOH and the property became home to the ministry, initially by meeting in a single room of the facility, but always with the hope and dream to one day grow into the whole property.

As time moved on, slowly but surely, opportunities to expand into the property came and a wider variety of programmes were developed for the improvement and empowering of those struggling in the community. In 2016, the local chief of the area, Chief Nathi Maphumulo used his traditional authority to map out the land for SOH’s use which was the first step in the process of acquiring the property.

By the end of the following year the few remaining squatters on the property had moved into better, more stable situations, thanks to SOH’s assistance. However, in order for the land to be officially transferred into its name, the paper work from the Ingonyama Trust was required and so the wait began.

READ ALSO: Budding bakers set to rise to the occasion

“Seed of Hope is now happy to announce that after two years and four months of waiting, our hopes and dreams have been realised with us receiving the documents from the Ingonyama Trust, thereby officially allowing us full use of the property where our programmes are facilitated,” said SOH CEO, Kierra Ward.

“This is a pivotal moment for us as an organisation and we are so excited for the future. We have seen God’s faithfulness and provision and we as a staff family are very excited for what this will allow us to do. Earlier this year, we successfully launched our new ‘Bake for Profit’ training programme in a section of one of our previously vacant buildings, and this is just the first of many exciting plans that we have for the rest of the property.”

SOH’s vision of “Restoring communities through restored individuals” has evolved over the years to remain relevant and to be a true source of impact and empowerment to the communities surrounding Amanzimtoti. Parents of students in its after-school programmes report drastic behavioural improvement, academic success and have become aware of any learning disabilities that their children have through SOH’s involvement.

“Over 46 per cent of graduates from our skills programme for unemployed adults have found employment, started tertiary education or started their own business since completing our training. In addition, many families have reported better family life style choices, including moving away from drugs, alcoholism and better family relations as a result of our involvement. Seed of Hope is committed to journeying with individuals on their road to restoration, development and empowerment.”

READ ALSO: Organisation continues to sow seeds of hope

If you would like to find out more about SOH, or how you can get involved or support, call 031-903-1125 or email eleanorrigby@theseedofhope.org.

DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. 
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)