A new chance for the community of Platfontein

The history of Platfontein

Platfontein is located around 15 km west of Kimberly and is the largest San township in Southern Africa, home to the !Xun and Khwe people. The population is currently estimated at more than 10,000 people.     

The !Xun and Khwe people in Platfontein, are unrelated tribes who originally come from Namibia and Angola. They fought, often forcibly, alongside the South African National Defense Force (SADF) during the Namibia War of Independence, forming what was called the ‘Bushman Battalion’. After this, many were relocated to an informal ‘tent-town’ in Schmitsdrift (80 kms west of Kimberly), but had no claim to land or national status. After a land claim by the Batlhaping and Griqua people was granted, the !Xun and Khwe people were forced to move again. In light of this, President Nelson Mandela granted them citizenship and 13,000ha of farming land near Kimberley in 1999, and a promise that 900 Reconstruction and Development (RDP) houses would be built so each family would have a home. However, it was not until 2004 that these very basic houses were finally build, along with a school.    

The soil conditions at Platfontein are not good as the area receives little rain and lacks necessary nutrients. The community lacks understanding what crops are suitable to be planted in such conditions and how to tend them.    

The events in and following the war, the displacement and dispossession of land, unfair treatment and economic hardship that the community faced have led to social and economic problems. Alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence are more common as a result.     

Platfontein is plagued by rampant unemployment and poverty and a never-ending struggle for the basic amenities. Due to a severe lack of income the tribes rely on grants and aid programs to support themselves. Government aid is extremely limited.    

To this day, most people in Platfontein have little more than a roof above their head. Part of the population still sleeps in primitive tents. There is a lack of running water in the houses, sanitation and electricity. There is an urgent need for healthy food, education and income generating opportunities.   

  Many people at Platfontein feel forgotten and abandoned by the government. They remain among the poorest of the poor communities in South Africa.    

 

What are we doing now?

We are setting up a soup kitchen, bakery and chicken farm at Platfontein. Together with townspeople and volunteers we will be able to offer food and support during the entire year. No longer short campaigns, but supplying food several times per week, every week. We can also offer skill training and support year round. All inside the community, for the community, together with the community. And with room to expand in the future.