GALLERY: Nkosi’s Haven thrives under circumstances
Even with all the remembrance of Nkosi, Gail is struggling to make ends meet and keep the haven afloat.
Nkosi Johnson would have turned 31 on February 4 and Gail Johnson, founding director of Nkosi’s Haven and Nkosi’s foster mother, fondly remembers him.
Even Google Doodles honoured him.
On February 4, the COURIER visited the haven to chat with Gail about Nkosi as well as the day-to-day running of the haven.
Gail described him as an activist who always advocated for the youth to be responsible.
“We often wonder how he would have lived and benefited from the antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. I am sure he would have still been an activist. Knowing Nkosi, he would have taken the directorship of Nkosi’s Haven,” she said.
Gail remembered how Nkosi was adored by everyone when they first started the haven in Berea.
“He was treated like a king, he was loved by everyone, I can still remember those days,” noted Gail.
Nkosi Johnson died at the age of 12 in 2001. At the time of his death, he was the longest-surviving child born HIV-positive.
Making ends meet
But it is not all about memories. Despite all the wonderful memories she holds of Nkosi, Gail is struggling to make ends meet and keep the haven afloat.
“We honestly need help to fulfill all needs of the haven. Normally, we need R485 000 a month to run this haven.
“We are guaranteed R170 000 and because of the outstanding amount we always scrape through the month.
“We are always at the mercy of our creditors, who sometimes agree to be paid in instalments,” she said.
Nkosi’s Haven is not funded by government.
Gail said there were big promises from the government, especially when Cyril Ramamphosa visited them in 2016 while he was deputy president.
“In order to get funding from government, we were advised to register some parts of Nkosi’s Haven as a child and youth care centre.
“We have done that with national structures and now we are waiting for provincial structures to follow suit.
“Donor basis and funding are dwindling; however, we do get product donations but when it comes to running costs, we are struggling.
“We are still able to do therapy, play therapy, taking children to school and get some of their uniforms.
“With food we are almost forced to become vegetarians. Remember when you are on ARVs, you are expected to eat properly,” explained Gail.
What they need
• For the next three months they need R1.5-million to run the haven.
• Plumbers because of children playing, there are blockages.
• Settlement of electricity account, which amounts to R500 000.
• Gardeners for the yard.
• Constant funding.
For more information Gail Johnson can be contacted on 011 942 5580/1/3/4, 082 593 1999, director@nkosishaven.org or www.nkosishaven.org
