Help Hilda build her home
Due to Australia’s Covid-19 travel restrictions, Simoné (my wife) and I had to commit to travel to South Africa for more than three months to spend time with our family.
We've always had a massive heart for South Africa. Things are definitely not perfect here but our current trip to the country has just reminded us what a remarkable and resilient country it is.
South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world. The magnitude of the problems that face the country and all the contributing factors (historical, economical, political, etc.) can often be so overwhelming that it paralyses you. As soon as you think of an idea to unpack these complex issues, seven other thoughts tell you why it will not work. I’ll be honest, for years this over analysing approach has led to me really not doing much to help.
A less daunting and way more practical approach might be to start with what’s right in front of you. Stop overthinking it and just do it. For us right now, it’s the fact the Hilda and her family don’t have a proper home – let’s see if we can change that.
Background:
• Unfortunately, Hilda had to step away from an abusive relationship that led to her losing her home.
• Last year she bought a shanty (a small, crudely built shack) and she, her two daughters and her granddaughter have lived there since.
• Problem is, the shanty is built from corrugated iron panels which:
- Floods when it rains
- Is extremely hot in the summer
- Is freezing in winter
Moving forward:
• It's time to knock down the shanty to build a proper house.
• Hilda bought plans for a new house from a local designer in the community for R500. That’s AU$45 - talk about value for money!
• The new house includes:
- 3 Bedrooms
- 1 Bathroom
- Living room
- Kitchen
• We’ve costed up the plan and construction costs is estimated at R175,000 (AU$16,000) - using locally sourced materials and labour.
• We’ve raised enough funds to cast the foundations and to build the first two rooms – this should be built by the end of August.
• The remainder of the house will be built as further funds become available.
• Time to make it happen!
A few photos below:
Hilda in front of the existing shanty:
Inside view of the shanty:
Building plans:
Kedibone (Hilda’s daughter) and Simone setting our the foundations:
Thapelo (Hilda’s eldest son) setting out the foundations:
Johnny, the local builder:
Reviewing plans on site:
The A-team:
Final layout of the foundations:
