Bonginkosi Sweetwaters Project
The Bonginkosi Project has many facets and was initiated nearly forty ago out of the Bonginkosi School Feeding Scheme that came under the aegis of The Church of Ascension and African Enterprise (AE). Amongst others, the project has been sacrificially and ably led by Sarah and Julian Dottridge and Carol Cassidy. As of this year, African Enterprise has taken over the project with Linda Grant (AE Board member) and Londeka Gasa (AE staff member) overseeing the Bonginkosi project. We currently have a monthly meeting where a Bible teaching is given and the members, which have grown from about 100 strong to 230, share in a lively manner afterwards. Pictured below is Londeka Gasa from African Enterprise engaging with the Sweetwaters folk.
During and following the Covid pandemic when people’s basic needs increased substantially, food parcels were handed out. This continues and all food donations are welcomed. The Wyekham Collegiate girls for example, excel in making a simple but nourishing soup mix ( see recipe below). One packet feeds a family of five. In exchange for doing this, the girls receive Service points required for the Life Orientation school syllabus.
Food Donations
Any readers who may have access to fresh produce or any food which they are able to donate, please contact Londeka (0710110534) or Linda (0731985693). And we will gladly collect. We do have a deep freeze donated to store frozen foods too.
The Bonginkosi project also encourages self help initiatives and has become well known for the crocheted blankets which some of the ladies make.
Bonginkosi Blankets
Women were encouraged to crochet blankets in mono-tones and all sizes. These are lovely light, attractive blankets and are sold at cost. They make wonderful wedding and baby shower gifts, and are especially appealing to overseas folk given that they are authentic, locally crafted items made by women who are mostly unemployed. Should you be interested in purchasing any, please contact Londeka (0710110534) or Linda (073 198 5693).
Colourful mats and reversible aprons
One of the Bonginkosi members also makes very striking, reversible aprons. Another makes colourful mats out of discarded plastic bags. See also in the photograph below.
Clothing and Blankets
Hand knitted jerseys, beanies and blankets, and teddies and any pre-loved clothing is also welcomed for distribution amongst our members.
Sewing Group
We have had sewing machines donated as well as fabric. The women make beautiful quilts and other items of clothes. Anyone with unused men’s ties and offcuts of strong fabric is welcome to donate them to Bonginkosi. Once again, please contact either Linda or Londeka.
Health
Education in health matters such as Covid 19, HIV/AIDS, First Aid, Cholera etc is provided sporadically and welcomed by experts in the field. Help when needed is also given in the way of bus-fares for those required to visit a clinic/hospital. Unwanted wheelchairs, walkers etc are always welcome as are spectacles and eye-testing.
Schools
We distribute pre-loved white school shirts and sports equipment as well as educational toys to assist the nearby local creche, primary and high school.
Food security
We would love to advance food security amongst our members by encouraging vegetable gardening and subsistence farming. Expertise in this regard as well as access to affordable fencing ( a major obstacle) is welcomed.
This project can be aided by anyone who has the heart to contribute and we would WELCOME this.