Mandela Day: Survé Philanthropies rally to help Simon's Town shelter

In the heart of Simon’s Town, the Happy Valley Home serves as a vital refuge for many homeless individuals in need. During the cold and wet Cape winters, this shelter not only provides a warm place to sleep but also serves as the only source of a warm meal for those who have fallen on hard times.

The spirit of community giving was especially evident as South Africans celebrated Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday, an annual event commemorating the legacy of the anti-apartheid icon. This initiative encourages individuals to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to service in honour of Mandela’s 67 years of activism for social justice.

As part of this celebration, Survé Philanthropies stepped up to support Happy Valley Home with a generous donation of food items, enhancing the care provided to both the team and residents. Currently, the home supports 63 residents, spanning from 18-year-olds to the elderly.

Each resident has their own unique story, woven together by a shared aspiration: the desire to transform their lives for the better. Happy Valley Home is dedicated to making this transformation possible. In addition to providing shelter, the home offers access to skills development and mental health rehabilitation initiatives, which the staff take great pride in.

Patrick Msakayeya, the manager of Happy Valley Home, provided an overview of the facility's operations. “We have registered 63 clients, 53 are male and 10 are female, although the number changes daily,” he shared with pride. During the winter months, Happy Valley Home frequently welcomes individuals over the age of 60, striving to bring as many people off the streets as possible.

“We do make exceptions where we take in 65- and 75-year-olds because we want to help as many people as we can, especially during these colder months,” Msakayeya explained.

Looking to the future, Msakayeya emphasised the various ways people can contribute to the shelter's mission. “We accept all kinds of donations. Our clothing is delivered directly to our clients, and we also have a clothing store located nearby. In terms of food, we would greatly appreciate non-perishable items that can be stored and used long-term.” As the sun sets on another Madiba Day, the work at Happy Valley Home continues, serving as a quiet reminder that even small acts of kindness can lead to lasting change.

In the spirit of Mandela’s legacy, the community's support, organisations like Survé Philanthropies, and the dedicated efforts of its staff ensure that Happy Valley Home remains a beacon of hope for those seeking a second chance at life.

The mission of Survé Philanthropies is to support and positively impact disadvantaged and marginalised communities through initiatives which enable the transformation of South Africa and Africa’s social and economic landscapes.