Sister Grace reports, ‘It has been a challenging time.’ Tighter Lockdown regulations were imposed on South Africa in June 2021 to reduce the risk of Corvid 19 spreading, however the vulnerable and terminally ill continue to need special care and support.

You can watch President Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on 15th June 221 here:

CHALLENGES encountered in Vaalwater in July 2021:

• Our Community has seen an increase in substance and drug addiction amongst the youth. Boys below the age of 20 have been found injecting drugs using the same syringe and needles. They looked violent. (The Police were informed and are currently monitoring the situation)
• Increase in community theft has been reported
• Some children have never been to school and keep wandering around, begging money.

• Essential food supplies prices went up in July due to violent attacks in some parts of South Africa, which resulted in stock shortages.
• Some beneficiaries have become dependent on receiving food parcels and do not want to work nor do piece jobs to earn income
• Gender based violence occurs in some families due to lack of income and employment
• Orphaned children lack parental care and support
• Social gatherings and alcohol sales continue without adhering to Corvid 19 protocols

Sister Grace has been able to visit the needy and supply relevant needs.

PROGRESS:

• Some members of the community have been offered short-term employment within the town and surrounding lodges
• School children are back at school and able to access meals from the feeding scheme program
• The Social Relief Grant has been extended to help the unemployed to provide for their families
• The Department of Social Development continues to provide food parcels to those registered in their system.

The Waterberg Trust aims to fill the gap by helping vulnerable people without papers who Social Services can not help.

Dr Peter Farrant of the Northern Education Trust reports that, ‘Substance abuse is becoming a serious problem. We will have to work on a local solution, but that is easier said than done!’

There are many different ways in which you could help or become involved. If you would like to find out how you can make a donation to The Waterberg Trust, please click here

We will continue to provide food parcels and donated items to those in need, conducting routine assessments, home visits and health education. 

Sister Grace works with the local clinic, the South African Police, Social Development, local churches and community leaders to ensure TWT is well informed and the needy can access support.