Dear Friends of Golden Sunbeams
We’ve become used to a lot over the last few years, but even our South African friends who have experienced storms have confirmed that they have never experienced such turbulent seas and such violent storms in the Cape region in April. The media even spoke of a storm that left a “Trail of destruction.”
This was to be followed by heavy rain right after the stormy solar eclipse on April 8th, so we were very worried here, but luckily we were spared the major floods.
On April 7th, the strong storm left many roofs uncovered, trees uprooted, fences and walls torn down, and trucks and cars overturned. In addition, the power supply failed in several regions towards the evening and this meant that the water pumps no longer worked. So for several hours there was not only no electricity, but also no water.
Stellenbosch, located in the middle of the vineyards of the Cape Winelands district, was hit particularly hard: the Manor House of Blaauwklippen, one of the oldest wineries with its Cape Dutch architecture and beautiful gardens, burned down in a flash due to the strong storm.
In the township of Kayamandi in Stellenbosch, around 2,000 of the colorful corrugated iron huts, so-called shacks, fell victim to a fire and the severe storm.
Some of our kindergartens reported storm damage after the eclipse, but given the severity of the storm, it’s a wonder it was just “minor things.” The kindergartens were spared major damage. Perhaps also a result of our long-term and sustainable construction measures.
The kindergartens in the townships around Nomzamo were particularly affected. The most damage was in Asanda Village:
At Great Beginning, cracks appeared in the outer wall and there was concern that the wall would collapse. The roof gable was partially torn away. Sikuthale reported some damage to the exterior and to the sunroof. Damage to the canopy and damaged windows as a result of parts of the roof falling down are the results at Rise and Shine.
At Playway in Helderzicht, the roof of the entrance area was so badly damaged that the front roof had to be completely replaced – a very costly measure.
At Rusthof at our Loflands Day-Care kindergarten, the shade roof in the outdoor area almost blew off. But fortunately only almost, because June the Principal reacted very quickly and was able to prevent the worst with a self-built structure. She attached two large, heavy vessels as weights to a rope structure so that the roof could not fly away.
We are already in the process of repairing the damage and are confident that we will have repaired it all by the end of the month. Loflands Day-Care can already look forward to the new roof construction.
Repair work has also been completed at Great Beginning and Sikuthale. At Great Beginning, part of the old wall had to be torn down and completely rebuilt. At Sikuthale, the shade roof has already been repaired and the kitchen area has been given a new roof.
Only at Playway is the repair work continuing. We hope that the children and kindergarten teachers here will soon be able to look forward to a new canopy.
Without private support, these kindergartens would not be able to repair the damage because there is neither insurance coverage nor support from the government.
This shows once again how important the emergency aid measures of private organisations are here on site. And you all help ensure that Golden Sunbeams e.V. can offer local kindergartens quick and unconventional help. Thanks to your contributions and donations, we can help where the need is greatest.
Thank you for that!
Warm greetings from the Cape, which is now sunny again.
Yours
Britta & Bernd