This past weekend, Shincheonji Volunteers made a significant impact across various regions of Cape Town. In celebration of Mandela Day, the organisation collaborated with Streetscapes and Ward Councillors to address environmental and social issues through clean-ups. Additionally, disaster relief initiatives were organised in multiple affected areas.
Community leaders and members in CBD, Kraaifontein, Ida’s Valley, and Klapmuts participated in the clean-ups to bring about change, demonstrating that even small acts of unity can make a significant impact.
Expressing his gratitude, Mayoral Stakeholder Engagement Community Liaison Officer, Marvin Sampson, stated, “The Office of the Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town would like to thank you for coming out and doing your part for Mandela Day. We’re really looking forward to working together with [Shincheonji Volunteers] and creating hope for our people and for the city.”
Ida’s Valley Ward Councillor Roy Van Rooyen coined the community clean-up as a beautiful example of how the late Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to contributing to South Africa’s upliftment.
“The community must take ownership of the environment they live in,” said Ward Councillor Van Rooyen, “I must salute [Shincheonji Volunteers] for doing this work all the way from Cape Town to Stellenbosch. Thank you also for the relationship that I as a Councillor can have with your Church, your youth, and your volunteers.”
In response to the recent severe storm that left several Cape Town areas flooded, Shincheonji Volunteers determined to embody Madiba’s spirit by delivering crucial disaster relief. Volunteers provided essential aid to 16 communities in areas including Khayelitsha, Philippi, Gugulethu, Mfuleni, Masiphumelele, Masaccar, Delft, and Strand by distributing items like blankets, clothes, and non-perishables.
A Shincheonji volunteer, moved by seeing the dire needs of the Khayelitsha community, said, “The damage caused by the flood was greater than expected and the team had to quickly adapt. We then donated clothing as well as other gifts for the pastor and his family, for which they were very grateful. One community member even wore a sweater immediately and expressed gratitude for now having warm clothes to wear.”
Despite the efforts of Shincheonji Volunteers, the needs of the affected communities remain high. In a plea for further aid from fellow Capetonians, Pastor Ntomboxolo Qhora called on the public at large to assist stating, “Do make donations because there are people out there who really need help. The people who make donations change lives. So please, I advise you not to stop doing what you are doing. It’s a very good thing.”
The clean-up and disaster relief initiatives spearheaded by Shincheonji Volunteers addressed immediate needs and brought hope to those affected, helping many families begin to rebuild their lives. Shincheonji Volunteers coordinator, Nic Ngcobo remarked, “Shincheonji Volunteers will continue putting in endless efforts beyond Mandela Day to unite with various communities all over Southern Africa, bringing about lasting, positive change and contributing to a better, fairer South Africa.”
