Category: Social Harbour

In the spirit of Ubuntu, a collaborative effort between Shincheonji Volunteers and Missionvale community members, supported by generous partners and sponsors, resulted in a successful clean-up initiative. This event, held on Saturday morning, 20 July, brought together individuals of all ages with the shared goal of cleaning the streets of Missionvale.

Inspired by the late Nelson Mandela, Shincheonji Volunteers, who have a history of involvement in other cleaning initiatives in Gqeberha, spearheaded this campaign for Mandela Day. Partnering with the Missionvale Care Centre, they aimed to educate and unite the community, encouraging residents to take ownership of their environment by creating a cleaner and safer area for everyone. Other partners included AVBOB, Healing Hands, the Missionvale Ward Councillor’s Office, and the South African Police Service.

“Seeing people from different backgrounds: the Municipality, the church and SAPS, it was beautiful to look at. What stood out for me was so many people showing interest and so many people wanting to support what we are doing today,” said Operations Manager from Missionvale Care Centre, Sindiswa Jacobs.

Shincheonji Volunteers has a strong presence in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area and has previously collaborated with the Missionvale Care Centre on various outreach activities such as hosting a series of Youth Development Educations as well as hosting a Gender-Based Violence education session for community members.

Shincheonji Volunteers is the outreach arm of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Christ which has a membership of over 600 congregants in Gqeberha. This clean-up campaign saw more than 200 participants come together to make a positive impact on their community.

“The drive is inspired by keeping the environment healthy and clean. We have seen this as a challenge across the city in various locations where storm drains are blocked and people getting sick because of pollution. We saw this as a place where we can contribute to the betterment of the community,” said Shincheonji Volunteers Mrs Phumza Nozewu.

On the morning of March 22, 2024, Shincheonji Volunteers in Gqeberha and the Healing Hands Foundation partnered together to spearhead a Peace March through Central Gqeberha, spotlighting the predicament of crime and its interconnected socio-economic issues.

The participants gathered at 10:00 at the Healing Hands Foundation and started the march through Parliament Street, Rink Street and Govan Mbeki Street. The march was brought to a close at Donkin Lighthouse where refreshments were served. A portion of the route involved a clean up campaign led by The Waste Trade Company. 

The South African Police Services from Humewood also stood in solidarity for the plight of illegal activities that occur in parts of Gqeberha, such as the selling and distribution of drugs, hijackings and violence. 

“We have been running the safe home for 14 years now and we are surrounded by student accommodations. We see people, including students get robbed everyday and we see people getting robbed and getting hurt. We just thought enough is enough. We see the drug dealers around and what these drugs are doing to our kids and how they’re destroying our country. Somebody has to take a stand. We decided to get everybody together, so that we can be heard and something can be done about it,” shared one of the organisers from the Healing Hands Foundation, Magdalene Bangaree.

Despite weather conditions being slightly warmer than average, the public, Nelson Mandela University students, volunteers from Healing Hands and Shincheonji Volunteers came out in numbers of over 50 people. In celebration of Human Rights Day, the event highlighted the South African constitutional right of a safe and secure environment.
Siyakuvuma Bomvu, one of the representatives of Shincheonji Volunteers, shared that youth development is one of the many crucial socio-economic issues that they aim to highlight and tackle through their initiatives.

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus marked its 40th anniversary on March 14, 2024, commemorating its founding on the same date in 1984. During the celebration, ambitious plans for the upcoming year were revealed, underscoring the church’s dedication to community service and its position as a guiding force and source of strength. Through such endeavors, both government and private entities can gain insight into effective strategies for addressing pressing issues like violence, drug abuse, crime, gang activity, and similar challenges.

The Ward 5 Councillor, Terri Stander, addressed the participants as well as Acting Executive Director of Safety and Security, Mr Niel Whitebooi and Mr Keith Mitchell of the municipality. The memorandum was handed over on behalf of the Central area of Gqeberha, where crime has proved to be the most prevalent. 

“Crime doesn’t see gender, it hurts us all,” Terri shared. “Every single day, these students are victims of crime, as well as the general residents of people walking through Central and the surrounding areas.

It is important for residents to actively engage in combating crime by reporting criminal activities occurring within their communities. Additionally, civilians can make tangible contributions to crime prevention efforts by participating in police forums, initiating neighborhood committees, or joining volunteer groups. Ms Bangaree further urged those unable to attend the march to utilise social media as a potent tool for raising awareness, thereby fostering a sense of peace and security for the people of Gqeberha.

Living in Gqeberha offers residents not only stunning scenery and friendly neighbours but also a unique advantage that larger cities can’t match: everything is conveniently close by. Within a 20-minute drive, you can transition from lounging on one of our pristine beaches to exploring a nature reserve teeming with walking trails and diverse wildlife.

As the cost of petrol continues to rise, many of us are seeking ways to enjoy ourselves without breaking the bank. Let’s explore 5 budget-friendly activities catering to a variety of interests

1. Sardinia Bay

Sardinia Bay Beach stands out as one of the city’s most exquisite beaches. A brief stroll up the dunes unveils a mesmerizing view, perfect for witnessing the breathtaking golden sunset. This spot is popular for sunset picnics with friends and generally safe, albeit crowded with other picnic-goers on weekends.

2. Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve

The Wild Flower Reserve offers 500 hectares of spectacular scenery, abundant birdlife, and a profusion of wildflowers—all free of charge. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, the reserve features a range of trails catering to different fitness levels, from a 500m leisurely stroll to a 4km trek for seasoned walkers or cyclists. Picnic areas are available for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

3. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

Art aficionados will find solace in this museum, which proudly showcases works by talented Eastern Cape artists alongside a comprehensive collection of South African art. Admission to the gallery is free, except for special events with advertised fees. Additionally, the museum hosts complimentary Children’s Art & Craft workshops on weekends for kids aged 6-16. Stay updated on the latest events and exhibitions by following their Facebook page.

4. Trucker Tuesday

Food enthusiasts rejoice at Trucker Tuesday, where the tantalizing array of food, vibrant atmosphere, and pocket-friendly prices are sure to bring a smile to your face. This street food market, held at The Gallery on Produce in the Baakens Valley, offers free entry and a family-friendly ambiance complemented by local music. Doors open from 5pm and remain open until 9pm. Keep track of their monthly schedules by following Trucker Tuesday on their social media pages.

5. PE Parkrun

Every Saturday, PE Parkrun invites residents of all ages to participate in a free 5km run at two locations in Gqeberha: Hobie Beach and Sardinia Bay. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, everyone is welcome to join in or volunteer as a marshal. The event kicks off at 08:00 sharp, offering a healthy and social start to the weekend.

Mark your calendars for an exhilarating day of joy, unity, and generosity as Gqeberha eagerly awaits the Family Day Extravaganza hosted by Shincheonji Volunteers, the volunteerism wing of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. This not-to-be-missed event, in collaboration with Audi and the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), promises a spectacular blend of entertainment, community spirit, and a chance to give back.

On January 27, 2024, the Pirates Hockey Club in Mill Park will be transformed into a hub of joy from 10:00 to 15:00. Save the date for a day that guarantees laughter, togetherness, and an array of delightful activities for all ages.

Designed for families, friends, and individuals, the Family Day Extravaganza extends an invitation to unite, celebrate, and create lasting memories. With an affordable entry fee of just R30, this joyous occasion is accessible to everyone.

Beyond the festivities, this extravaganza sheds light on the impactful work carried out by Shincheonji Volunteers. With over 600 dedicated members from the church, these volunteers are the driving force behind numerous community-building services. Their initiatives include sanitary towel drives, stationary drives, food parcel drives, and blood donation drives. 

This is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the volunteers’ unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Audi and SANBS proudly stand alongside Shincheonji Volunteers, showcasing the strength of partnerships in creating meaningful change in our communities. Whether you’re a car enthusiast eager to explore and test drive Audi’s latest models, a family looking for a day of entertainment, or someone interested in making a positive impact through blood donation, this collaborative event promises something for everyone. 

Entrance to the Family Day Extravaganza is just R30, and it comes with an exciting bonus – an automatic entry into the lucky draw. Your ticket not only unlocks a day of fun but also offers a chance to win fabulous prizes.

Don’t miss the chance to join the celebration at the Pirates Hockey Club in Mill Park. Your presence will add to the vibrancy of the event and also support the incredible work of Shincheonji Volunteers. 

Let’s make this Family Day Extravaganza a day to remember. See you there!

Saving money can feel like a daunting task, but what if there was a simple and engaging way to turn loose change into a substantial savings fund? Enter the Number Chart Savings Method, a creative tool that transforms spare change into a tangible savings goal. In this article, we’ll explore how this unique savings chart, featuring numbers 1-100, can turn small daily contributions into a significant R5000 savings.

The Concept: Turning Spare Change into Savings

The Number Chart Savings Method revolves around a simple but effective idea. Imagine a chart numbered from 1 to 100, and each number represents that number in Rands. As you accumulate spare change, you cross the corresponding numbers off on the chart.

Getting Started: The Number Chart

1. Create Your Chart: Begin by drawing or printing a chart with numbers 1-100. Each number represents the amount you will save.

2. Display It Prominently: Place the chart somewhere visible, like on your fridge or bulletin board. This ensures that you are regularly reminded of your goal.

 How It Works: The Savings Process

1. Accumulate Spare Change: Whenever you find yourself with extra change in your purse, wallet, or around the house, allocate it to your savings jar or container.

2. Cross Off Numbers: When you accumulate R10 in spare change, cross out the corresponding number on your chart. For example, if you save R20, cross off number 20.

3. Watch Your Progress: As you steadily cross off numbers, witness your savings grow and track your progress on the chart. The visual representation adds an element of excitement to the saving process.

 Benefits of the Number Chart Savings Method:

1. Incremental and Achievable Goals: Breaking down the R5000 goal into smaller, manageable increments makes it less overwhelming and more achievable.

2. Visual Motivation: The act of physically crossing off numbers provides a visual representation of your progress, keeping you motivated throughout the saving journey.

3. Utilizing Spare Change: It transforms spare change that might have gone unnoticed into a significant savings fund.

4. Flexible and Fun: The method is adaptable to your pace, and it turns saving into a fun and rewarding activity.

Tips for Success:

1. Embrace the 50/30/20 Rule:

Allocate your income using the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for necessities (rent, utilities, groceries), 30% for discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out), and 20% for savings. Adjust these percentages based on your personal circumstances but maintain a balance that allows for saving.

2. Cut Unnecessary Expenses:

Identify and cut down on unnecessary expenses. Evaluate subscription services, dining out habits, and impulse purchases. Small adjustments can lead to significant savings over time.

3. Consistency is Key:

 Aim to contribute to your savings regularly, even if it’s just a small amount.

4. Celebrate Milestones:

Celebrate when you reach certain milestones on your chart. It helps maintain motivation and excitement.

5. Involve Others: 

 Encourage friends or family members to join in the savings challenge. You can make it a group effort and cheer each other on.

Empowering Relationships:

Saving money isn’t just about building financial security for yourself; it’s an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those who matter most. Whether it’s supporting a friend in need, aiding family members during tough times, or contributing to a cause close to your heart, your ability to save can create positive ripples of change.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, your decision to save for others is a testament to your belief in the power of compassion. You are not just saving money; you are embodying the change you wish to see in the world.

So, dear friend, as you embark on this journey of purposeful saving, know that you have the ability to transform lives, uplift spirits, and create a brighter future for those around you. Your savings aren’t just numbers; they’re the seeds of positive change waiting to blossom. Together, let’s empower change and build a world where kindness knows no bounds.

 Conclusion: A Playful Path to Financial Success

The Number Chart Savings Method adds a playful twist to the often serious task of saving money. By converting spare change into a visual representation of your savings progress, this tool transforms the journey into an engaging and rewarding experience. So, grab your chart, start crossing off those numbers, and watch as your R5000 savings goal becomes a reality, one small contribution at a time. Happy saving!

On December 2nd, the international peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), along with its affiliated group, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), conducted a local area clean-up activity at Blouberg Beach in Cape Town . Young people from across Cape Town, including the youth members of Nature Connect, and Uncedo Lwethu Foundation voluntarily joined the event to create a better environment for the local community.

The event, held under the theme of “Peace My City”, was organized to align with the United Nations International Volunteer Day (IVP) on December 5th, which aims to recognize the efforts of volunteers worldwide and encourage greater participation in volunteer work.

Miss Lanah Murray, School Coordinator of Nature Connect who participated in the cleanup shared, “Just being here today and partnering up and collaborating with IPYG and HWPL, it is something that can have a lasting effect as well. Not only creating awareness but also instilling a sense of ownership within every person as well.”

What is notable about this event is the ‘participation of young people.’ While Blouberg Beach attracts numerous tourists during holidays and summer, it often witnesses the aftermath of supplies and various pieces of rubbish being left behind, causing water pollution and threatening marine ecosystems.

Recognizing the issues faced by these communities, the IPYG has mobilized young people from across Cape Town as the main driving force for the practical pursuit of peace. Furthermore, this activity was planned with a emphasis on the practical implementation of Article 10, ‘Spread a Culture of Peace,’ from the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a cause actively supported by youth organizations worldwide.

This declaration, comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses, aims to restore the spirit that served as the basis for the establishment of the United Nations and to achieve sustainable peace by promoting the universal values ​​​​of the global community. The DPCW contains the message of no war, peace between nations and societies, friendly relations, prosperity, happiness.

“Coastal erosion has become a vast reality, together with climate change and the pollution, so what we are trying to do is create a cleaner environment for the people who do come to the beach to find solace. To create an environment where they can also still find peace but without the man-made litter that affects the wildlife in the ocean. One thing we really care about is leaving this world as a legacy for future generations.”, Co-ordinator of IPYG South Africa branch, Abisola.

The HWPL South Africa branch has conducted several environmental cleanup campaigns in the Cape Town area in the past. In February this year, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis participated in the Maiden’s Cove area and collected garbage on the beach with dozens of volunteers.

In the future, HWPL and IPYG plan to continue various activities to solve community problems and spread a culture of peace in Southern Africa. In addition, IPYG South Africa branch plans to gather more young people into the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding working group (YEPW), an initiative of the IPYG to carry out youth-led peace education and volunteer work.

In the spirit of love, compassion and unity, the Shincheonji Volunteers (of Shincheonji Church of Jesus) have once again taken a step forward to uplift the lives of those in need.

As part of their ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in communities around the city, the church chose to commemorate Mandela Day by donating much-needed sanitary towels to struggling informal settlements in Ocean View. This act of kindness not only brings hope but also restores dignity to those facing challenging circumstances.

Mandela Day, celebrated annually on July 18th, is a day of remembrance and action to honor the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s iconic leader and visionary. The day calls upon individuals and organizations to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to make a positive change in their communities. This symbolic gesture represents the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to fighting for human rights and social justice.

The donation drive was met with enthusiasm and warmth from the members of the church, as they believed it was their responsibility to give back to the community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Through their collective efforts, they gathered a substantial number of sanitary towels to distribute, ensuring that no woman in the informal settlements of Ocean View had challenges this month.

The act of donating sanitary towels goes beyond just providing a physical necessity; it signifies unity and empowerment. By reaching out to these communities with love and support, Shincheonji Volunteers is fostering a sense of togetherness that transcends cultural, religious, and social boundaries. This gesture emphasizes the shared humanity that binds us all and underscores the importance of standing together during times of difficulty.

As we look to the future, let us be inspired by the selfless acts of Shincheonji Volunteers and continue to spread love and kindness to all corners of the world, empowering those facing adversity and standing as beacons of hope in their lives. Together, we can create a world where no one is left behind, and all can flourish in the warmth of compassion and care.

Gqeberha’s Stellar Theatre Stars Shine Bright in Grahamstown

Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the largest and most vibrant cultural event in Africa, presents a delightful selection of outstanding talent, both local and international. With a duration of 11 days every year in June and July, the population of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape nearly doubles, drawing more than 50,000 individuals who eagerly gather for an abundance of arts, crafts, and pure entertainment.
From theatre to dance, opera to cabaret, fine art to craft art, classical music to jazz, poetry readings to lectures, every art form imaginable is represented in one of the most diverse festivals in the world. And there’s something for every taste, with techno raves, medieval banquets, craft fairs, cyber cafes, carnivals, buskers and walking tours.

In this esteemed cultural extravaganza, Gqeberha artists had the opportunity to exhibit their exceptional talent. Alongside numerous other Gqeberha artists, the likes of Mongezi Ncwadi, Lonwabo Xatasi, Thando Mabutho, Ntombetsh Ntombethembaa Zitshu, and Lungelwa Magqamfana captivated audiences at the Grahamstown Arts Festival with their remarkable theatre performance “MAMGCINA”, leaving spectators in awe.

This production, adapted from ‘Cry Freedom’, portrays the tale of a black domestic worker who wakes up one morning to discover herself alone, entrusted with the care of a dog. Her master, who is under house arrest, and her family are mysteriously absent. The police interrogate her, suspecting that she holds information about his whereabouts. Meanwhile, she also grapples with an ultimatum from her well-educated but unemployed husband. On the first day of 1978, her husband receives news of Mamgcina’s conviction but struggles to locate her in any of the prisons.

Gqeberha truly stands as a city brimming with an abundance of talent, consistently nurturing and showcasing exceptional artists across various domains. With its richness and unwavering representation, this city continues to shine brightly in numerous spheres, solidifying its reputation as a creative powerhouse.

via https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/show/mamgcina/