When Goal50 founder Nigel Pascoe visited the townships of the Cape Flats in 2017, the South African government ratified its earlier decision to sell a plot of land to the charity. The image above shows Nigel with Mario van Niekerk presenting that parcel of land. Plans are currently being finalised for the construction of the Day Care Centre. The land was purchased in late 2019.
“The township of Heideveld is in desperate need of a community focal point. Gang violence continues to deprive children in the Western Cape of their educational opportunities” explains Nigel. “Without proper education, many children become involved in gangs and continue a destructive cycle of violence. As children get sucked in, this sadly heightens the possibility of violence within schools. There are cases of children stabbing other children in one settlement in a turf war on the school grounds. Shocking. Unacceptable.”
This week the South African government released 2016 crime figures. There were 19,000 murders in the country and 37,000 reported rape cases. One man was recently given 13 life terms and an additional 228 years imprisonment for 17 rape charges, attempted murder and assault. One of his victims had her eye gouged out with a knife. She held her eye whilst being raped. Sadly, stories like this are frequent.
Nigel continues, “Tackling this scourge needs an holistic approach. In the Cape Flats, Goal50 is investing in community. The cycle of violence must be broken at an early age, so the charity offers alternative activities that keep children off the streets. Its tutors and coaches connect with some 5,000 children every week. The Cape Town Education Department can play its part but parents must also take responsibility.”
The dream of the Day Care Centre is several steps closer to reality. Many Cape Flats families just don't have access to the sort of facilities that would be a 'given' not only in the western world but in the cities of South Africa. This simple plot of land will be GOOD NEWS for thousands of township families in the future.
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