Habitat for Humanity builds homes for Cape Town residents

Amid Budget Speech shock, yet another Land Bill proposed

Katja Hamilton

Habitat for Humanity's Desmond Tutu International Build Week, in partnership with Power Construction, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government, helped to build 12 homes for residents of Pelican Park, Zeekoevlei in Cape Town.

Build Week, which commenced on 2 March, coincided with the arrival of 18 members of the Habitat for Humanity International board of directors, who attended the annual general meeting.

"It was an honour to have hosted the international board of directors in Cape Town while we had a build in progress - we enjoyed showing them first-hand, how we and our rainbow nation, are working in partnership with organisations to bring about meaningful and sustainable change in the lives of the Pelican Park community," said Paul Durrant, Habitat for Humanity's national director.

Work together

The first day of the build began with an opening ceremony and welcome by Renee Glover, Habitat for Humanity international board chairperson from Atlanta in the USA, and a walk to the build site through the streets of Pelican Park.

"I encourage all South Africans to work together - bringing together your hearts and hands to help make a difference to people's lives. It is our hope that this week will light a fire in each of your hearts, a passion to continue to do the great work you are doing for your fellow citizens," she said.

It is Habitat for Humanity's belief that through their nine steps to true community development model and through a spirit of ubuntu - connection, community and mutual caring for all - communities are empowered through leadership, skills development and self-belief to become the champions of their own development and to break the cycle of poverty.