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Mandela Day Trip To Yiza Ekhaya in Khayelitsha

On Saturday the 22nd of July 2017 – the GREEN HOME team, alongside some super star volunteers and the amazing people at Symbols on Silk and Food & Trees for Africa, headed out to Mama Nomphilo’s, Yiza Ekhaya in Khayelitsha.

Natural material based buildings require more upkeep than that of traditional buildings, due to their organic inclination to deteriorate in the elements. The “super material” hemp, used to build the soup kitchen – requires annual maintenance to ensure it’s durability and effectiveness against the sometimes harsh weather conditions of the Western Cape.

The team lime washed the walls using a mixture of lime, water, salt and linseed oil –  sealing the hemp for another year against the raging the winds of one of SA’s windiest cities. A successful donation drive saw many parcels of clothing handed out through Yiza as well as a delivery of some toys for the children and of course – food for the Soup Kitchen that currently feeds more than 250 children 3 times daily.

Spending time with Mama Nomphilo was humbling and uplifting as always. The passion and light that shines through her contagious smile is just simply inspiring. With plans for growth and to provide further assistance to her community Mama Nomphilo continues to be a beacon of hope to the GreenHome team and the Mother City at large!

The GREEN HOME team loved getting their hands dirty and bonding with the volunteers that came out to support! “The energy surrounding Mama Nomphilo is electric, her heart is so big and she has so much to give. Meeting Mickey is an eye opening experience showing that no matter how much you have, you can always give!” – Terry Goosen. “Mickey is a force, the only thing bigger than her heart is her vision for her community. Working with her to fulfill that vision is always hugely rewarding.” – Cassandra Gamble.

Mama Nomphilo recently appealed to the Transport Department to turn a vacant and litter attracting plot of land into a community garden in order to create jobs, supply food to the Soup Kitchen and clean up the community around them. For more information go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_tUYAMDaA0 . If you’d like to lend a hand please reach out to marketing@greenhome.co.za we’re always happy for more hands 🙂

 

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