South Durban community role-players share their hopes and plans for the new year

AS 2023 begins, South Durban community role-players share their hopes and plans for the new year.

Yusuf Vawda, a community activist:

My plan is to motivate the youth to make education a priority, so they can empower themselves for a better future. I would also like to open a skills development centre for children who are not mentally programmed for theory learning, however, who have the ability to manually excel through different trades, such as woodwork, electrical and plumbing, among others. I feel it is very important that we arm our children with education and not weapons. My hope is that a free rehabilitation centre is opened in the community. Unfortunately, many of our unemployed youth and adults have taken to drugs and alcohol. However, many want to reform but cannot afford to go to the other centres. I believe by providing them with assistance, we will be giving them a new lease on life.

Chieftess Olivia Jones, the chairperson of the non-profit organisation, Abbaquar San Dream Centre, said: 

For me, the new year is about strengthening my body and mind. I want to continue to work on my confidence and, in doing so, focus more on my strengths. I want to make a conscious effort to grow and expand avenues where I know I have existing strengths as well as look to areas that are completely new to me and therefore may potentially be outside my comfort zone, like public speaking. I am open to this as something positive rather than something to be avoided. My hope for the community is that the people of Wentworth can walk the streets safely and freely without fear. That the people suffering from addiction can seek help and that employment opportunities may become easily accessible.

Brian Naidoo, the founder and chairperson of the non-profit organisation, Widowed and Single Parents (WASP): 

I hope and pray that we are given the strength and support to continue with our outreach programmes. This will only be possible provided we are assisted by our sponsors. So to the sponsors and CSI departments of many businesses, we appeal to you to empower us so that we are able to help those in need.

Sharin Rajman, the chairperson of the non-profit organisation, Helping Hands Merebank: 

My plan is to assist our youth by empowering them with skills. This will aid in reducing unemployment, which has had a ripple effect in terms of escalating crime, substance abuse, gender-based violence and overall poverty in communities. My hope is that better healthcare is provided to the elderly.

Clint Halkett-Siddal, the operations director and herpetologist at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow):

My goal is to get CROW to a point of financial stability by the end of 2023. On a personal note, I aim to lead a healthier lifestyle and to lessen my carbon footprint.

Tracey Williams, the founder of the non-profit organisation Wentworth Angels:

 My plan for the new year is to focus on my family as the organisation has taken up a lot of my time. I have young children at home that also need me, however, I will still help the community where I can.

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