Like many other countries, South Africa has been affected by the pandemic and numerous incidents and natural disasters over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, large-scale looting (by the public and the government) and other disasters have compounded the suffering of the people. Many have lost their lives, livelihoods, businesses, and property, and countless individuals are still unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel, leading to a loss of hope. With the festive season approaching, it is time to reach out and assist those in need.
It is not all doom and gloom; we like sharing untold stories with readers. Many individuals and organisations regularly support marginalised and vulnerable communities. We must take a moment to celebrate and thank them for their selfless efforts to make a difference and improve the world. And we must follow their example.
One such organisation that significantly impacted communities is the award-winning aQuellė water bottling company. In addition to its sustainable clean-up campaign, which has positively influenced communities across South Africa, this company also aids during disasters and other challenging circumstances. The company partners with organisations such as Emseni Farming and the Doctors for Life International team to relieve how, where, and when it is needed. They, for instance, distribute water and food to affected areas on a large scale.
The team consistently supports communities in crisis, fostering a spirit of cooperation and resilience. In inspiring collaboration with others, they also contribute daily to the well-being of the community at large. Various farming initiatives and projects have been established, generating a sustainable income that directly uplifts the lives of community members. These initiatives are vital for the ongoing outreach and empowerment programs and the critical missionary work conducted at the KwaSizanbantu Mission, where these businesses are rooted.
The late Rev Erlo Stegen, a visionary founder of the mission and the various enterprises, was celebrated for his steadfast encouragement and unwavering support. His remarkable legacy is steeped in love and compassion, which he consistently demonstrated throughout his impactful ministry. Confronted with widespread job losses and an escalating food security crisis in South Africa, Rev Stegen recognised the urgent need to empower communities. He inspired individuals to cultivate a deeper relationship with the land, highlighting the importance of nurturing the soil. He provided essential training and distributed seeds to turn this vision into reality, enabling families to establish their own gardens and farms.
This initiative fostered hope and facilitated a journey toward self-sufficiency during challenging times. Emseni, alongside aQuellė, Doctors for Life International, and the KwaSizabantu Mission, are at the heart of this transformative effort, all deeply embedded in the Kranskop community. This rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, often overlooked by government initiatives, is characterised by limited job prospects and neglect.
For many years, the dedicated team and the community have forged powerful partnerships, working hand in hand to uplift lives and create meaningful change. Their collective efforts stand as a testament to the belief that through collaboration and unity, both communities and the nation can thrive.
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