The formation of the Xairu Heritage Portal NPC was still in its finale stages and about to be launched when a total “Lock Down” was announced by the South African government. This “lock down” was particularly hard on remote villages like Suurbraak because most residents are financially dependent on income from casual work in the neighbouring towns of and farms. When public transport are not available and these part-time work opportunities are not available, the residents face immediate hardship and food scarcity. The geographical isolation and distance from Swellendam where most villagers do their business and shopping, exacerbate this situation.
To break the mood of hopelessness and fear of starvation, the members of the Xairu Heritage Portal started to source support in cash and kind for the vulnerable in Suurbraak from family, friends and previous visitors under the banner “Friends of Suurbraak”. The Green Fig Guesthouse approached previous guests and members networked wide to continue a COVID-19 food support programme that started on 1 April 2020 till the “lock down” was downgraded in May 2020 to Level 3 and most people returned to their normal activities to earn their living.
The food and cash that was sourced by members included:
- R 8125,00 for soup kitchen that fed about 75 people twice a week during the period
- R 3500,00 for meat and meals
- R42 700,00 for 215 hampers
- R2000,00 for Sundays and public holiday meals
- R4000,00 for Protective Screens for Suurbraak Primary School -learners
In total could the members source the value of Total R60325,00 in cash and food hampers. The food and soup preparation and distribution were coordinated by Donovan Julius, the contemporary artist of Suurbraak. Through his efforts he networked with Mr. B Beukes, Principal of Suurbraak Primary- school, to oversee an effective and fair food distribution process. The kitchen ladies who unselfishly gave their time and energy as volunteers, include Marlene, Beverly, Susan, Jefflynne, Belinda, Sylvia, Susanna, Topsy and others. The effects of the “lock down” would have been far more devastated and inhumane without the teamwork and commitments of Donavan and this team. The donors and financial contributors who made this phenomenal COVID-19 Food Support -project possible include:
- Family, friends and guests of Green Fig Guesthouse
- Wayne and Lynne Daniels with their Strand -network
- Unity Movement -members
- Lynne Roscoe and Gregory Hendricks of Suurbraak Secrets
We thank these funders /sponsors and assure them that the Suurbraak – communities appreciates their invaluable support during trying times.