News from Dukatole
On behalf of Bishop David Beetge, the members of the Highveld Anglican Board of Social Responsibility and the Dukathole community, our grateful thanks for your very generous donation to the Dukathole Appeal fund. This appeal was launched by Bishop David following the devastating fire that destroyed nearly 400 shack homes, leaving 1000 people homeless, most of whom lost all their possessions as the fire spread across the whole area within half an hour.
On investigation it was found that the fire had been caused by a primus stove, on which a child was cooking, being knocked over and the ‘pirated’ electrical wires on the ground caught fire. It was most gratifying to see so many members of the surrounding industrial area coming together to assist the community.
In consultation with the Dukathole community committee, we agreed to provide as many stoves as we were able to, from funds raised. We found a wonderful South African invention of a two plate ‘stove’ which uses an organic, non toxic, environmentally friendly cooking gel, used extensively in informal settlements. If knocked over, this stove snuffs out. Due to the generosity of your Diocese, other parishes and individual donations, we were able to purchase a stove and two months supply of cooking gel for each person who had lost a home –400 stoves were bought!
In addition, we were able to place with the frail, aged and the sick being cared for by the Bambanani Home Based Care that we work with, 20 new mattress, 12 sets of tables and chairs, and around 200 blankets. We also assisted in the re-building and reinforcing of some 40 shacks – this remains an ongoing project. For the first month, basic food parcels were placed with those who had lost their money and identity documents in the fire.
Those of us who work amongst the people in Dukathole were very humbled by the outpouring of such love and generosity of spirit from so many – thank you to each one. May you be blessed as you have blessed others!
Pictures of the stoves and other items being distributed will be posted on the Diocesan website shortly.
Yours in Christ,
Revd. Marlene Rodda (for HABSR)