When Kiddies Educare moved into their new building in February, the ground where the shack used to be was left vacant. That ground has now been filled with a new play area. Thank you to the Jeras Family from the USA for this. Love James

The Thokozani Youth Development Centre is developing rapidly into the heart of a community centre in the Town 2 informal settlement in Khayelitsha.

Zimasa one of Jikeleza’s own take occupancy of her Campus Residence which she has earned a full scholarship for three years , Tuition , Text Books , Catering and Residence! This is the first time this child knows of running water and a brick room and electricity that one can have access to anytime of the day and night! She comes to project during the school holidays to assist and we support her still with Stationery items that is not covered in the Scholarship and toiletries! She is thrilled to say the least!

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I do believe that by calling the impoverished neighbourhoods inhabitated largely by the black population, “townships”, we are perpetuating the legacy of Apartheid. Let us start calling them something different. They are after all part of Cape Town. They are actually suburbs of Cape Town. Lets get the debate going.

Standing with Tata is Thembi, the social manager for NOAH in Khayelitsha

Winter is approaching and many of the “shacks” of the “oldies” from NOAH (Neighbourhood Old Age Homes) are leaking and provide insufficient protection from the bad weather. So far Mama Gayiya, Mama Malan and Tata Hlehle have received new “houses’. Many people contributed but in particular thank you to the Borehams and the Seeruthun’s for their substantial contributions towards the last two built.

We have many more to go so if anyone is interested to assist please feel free to contact me.

Annual Uthando Benefit Concert to be held on 16 June 2012 from 12.30pm – 3.00pm at Barnyard Theatre Willowbridge. Ticket prices still to be confirmed and bookings to open in March 2012. It is a RARE TREAT to have Dance For All, Amy Biehl Foundation, Jikeleza Dance Project, Hout Bay Music Project, Cape Malay Choir Board, Thokozani Brothers Choir, Neighbourhood Old Age Homes Choir, Happy Feet Gumboot Dancers, a youth Cape Minstrel Troupe and others performing under one roof. See video of the Amy Biehl Foundation Marimba Band Group performing at the 2011 concert held at the Table Bay Hotel.

This is the Volcano Arts Project, a township theatre company that produces social theatre with a view to educating children through drama, theatre, music and humour on important issues like substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, gangsterism, HIV / AIDS, peer pressure etc. Issues that are so relevant to children. Attached is a photo of Mandlesizwe, the founder and director.

Thokozani Brothers Youth Development Project now boasts a wonderful jungle gym for the younger children. This is the ONLY facility in the entire informal settlement of Town 2 for all the children to play on.