Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference. These words were spoken by Nelson Mandela at the Global Convention on Peace and Nonviolence in New Delhi on 31 January 2004. 

We have within us the ability to build up or break down both our environment and those who live in it. As cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead said, never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. On 23 July we invite the community of Simon’s Town and the South Peninsula to join hands and start to make a positive impact and in a small way rebuild a community.

In the spirit of Mandela Day the Simon’s Town Civic Association, Community Policing Forum, Green Group and StadCo along with Happy Valley shelter, Take Back Our Mountains and My Father’s House are joining forces to clean up what is locally known as Jurassic Park - and give back some much needed green space to the community. 

The area, at the foot of Admirals Waterfall, is an idyllic area with a rambling vlei which flows past historical buildings, an old nursery, and protected Yellow Wood forest until it eventually reaches False Bay, a Global Hope Spot. A Hope Spot is a special place that is scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean and has the potential to reverse damage from negative human impacts. They need to be protected. We will be clearing the massive build-up of alien vegetation and removing the plastic and other rubbish before it reaches False Bay. 

Registration and briefing is at 09h00 at the My Father's House Resource Centre on the Main Road of Simon’s Town. My Father’s House, a non-profit that feeds up to 2000 a day, assists the homeless with rehabilitation, reunification and job creation programmes will provide a free Americano at the briefing session. Take Back Our Mountains are providing litter sticks, wet wipes and black bags. The Simon’s Town Civic Association will be making boerewors rolls to keep energy levels up.

The beneficiaries of My Father’s House and residents of Happy Valley will be providing additional hands to help get as much done on the day as is possible. Wear strong shoes, bring gloves and water and spread the word. Be a part of a community initiative and let us work together to bring peace to our community.

As Mandela said in the same speech in 2004 - religion, ethnicity, language, social and cultural practices are elements which enrich human civilization, adding to the wealth of our diversity. Why should they be allowed to become a cause of division, and violence? We demean our common humanity by allowing that to happen...

MEET-UP POINT: 
My Father's House Resource Centre, 12C Squires Building, Station Road, Simon’s Town (its on the Main Road)
GPS: -34.189112728704856, 18.425800643090408
Google Maps link: https://bit.ly/3uRXQaX   

For further information contact: 
Dylan James
Board Secretary: My Father’s House
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 066 206 2109

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1064674957778821/