Creating a safer place for those in need
Thabazimbi – Responding to an outcry for help by Thabazimbi residents, Tambotie Medical Centre manager Barbara Pienaar decided to step up to the plate.
With the help of her assistant, Yolandie Meyer, she jumped at the opportunity to spearhead Thabazimbi’s first community centre.
After much planning, they found the perfect premises on the corner of Koedoe and Jourdan Street and renovations to the building will officially start on Thursday 2 January. Five houses link up with this place of safety. Numerous organisations will stand by.
HOUSE 1
At the first house, Baletetswe Batsofe Thabazimbi will provide boarding for the elderly who need medical care but can’t afford it. This house will be run by Mina Tlhabadira.
HOUSE 2
The Loving Hands house, under the guidance of Beverly Spies, will serve as a shelter for the homeless. Here community members can check in from 16:00 in the afternoon and leave at 08:00 the next morning.
You are not allowed to be under the influence of any substances if you want to make use of the facilities, you will be tested. You can also pay R50 for a warm dinner and a breakfast the next day.
HOUSE 3
The next house, Spreading the Love will be the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) house. For R1,500 a month, the elderly with limited funds and nowhere else to go, will have a roof over their heads and three meals a day. There will also be fund raising events to generate funds to assist them even further with their basic needs.
HOUSE 4
The fourth house will provide a safe haven for women and children who have been victims of violence and abuse. Here they will receive the help they need to escape their circumstances.
HOUSE 5
The last house will be a place where Thabazimbi elders can visit once or twice a month and socialize. Here they will be able to participate in various activities like bingo, knitting, reading and just getting out of the house to socialise and improving their quality of life.
If all goes according to plan, the doors to the centre will open on 1 March 2020.
To keep the centre running, Barbara and her team will depend on the community’s support towards fundraising projects.
One of these projects will include preparing readymade food like salads, sandwiches and pies for the public to purchase. If you don’t feel like cooking on a Friday, you can order dinner.
In an interview with Platinum Bushvelder, Barbara said: “I am grateful that God placed this opportunity on my path. This is a project for the community and to be part of this is a blessing.”
If you would like to get involved in the renovation project or in any other way, contact Barbara on 082 951 8232.