By Louise and the Dream Team | Director
What a wonderful time of celebration we had last week. We hosted our partners in Self Help Group Approach (SHGA) from Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and from Malawi, they came to KTD196 so we could showcase our work in SHG and to see a functioning CLA (Cluster Level Association). The ladies did us proud!
First, we attended a CLA meeting, the ladies were not fussed at all with having 12 strangers listening to their meeting, making notes and then afterwards, asking questions and interrogating the ladies regarding the discussions observed, the decisions made, and the actions taken.
On the bright side, we were welcomed very enthusiastically with songs and also with lunch, which was arranged by the CLA. (There is a video link below so you can share in the festivities.)
What was extremely frustrating for me was to find out that some of the boreholes that the CLA had had repaired were the subject of further vandalism. Apparently a truck with Eskom logos and Eskom clothed workers, came and removed 2 transformers needed to run the pumps!!!! The ladies reported the matter to Eskom (the electricity provider for South Africa), only to find that the transformers were actually stolen and Eskom was not interested in replacing the Transformers.
One Transformer was placed inside one of the lady’s yards but because they were officially dressed, she didn’t realise they were actually stealing the transformers, the matter has been reported to the police. The ladies, with a certain amount of resignation, have now started the arduous task once again of petitioning the relevant departments for replacements and security for the transformers.
It is really difficult to see these ladies’ efforts be reduced to nothing by thieves or others who are determined to undermine their self-determination. During the recent elections, political party representatives where closing off the boreholes so that the ruling party would look ineffective, despite the fact that it was only through the efforts of the CLA that water was provided. Those boreholes have since been restored.
Our visitors, especially the Southern Regional Manager from Malawi, was very impressed at the ladies’ capacity and fortitude. It has been an exciting journey and we are planning to open another CLA in the next 2months.
This is a wonderfully empowering program which has been benefitting over 1,000 families, your support has been so appreciated. You make KTD196 successful, not just with the children but with their parents as well. By supporting the mothers, you are supporting the children. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
You are such a blessing
Louise
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