The Knysna community has launched a collective that aims to support various projects and organisations while promoting unity.
Knysna, South Africa (27 July 2021) – The community of Knysna have come together to discuss how non-governmental groups can unite to support South Africa, not only during tough times but always. The Knysna Collective has been established to do just that.
The collective is made up of charities, businesses, religious organisations and schools. They hope to set an example for other communities to join the movement and create their own collectives. Now more than ever, unity amongst neighbours is vital.
The collective shared their story with us; take a look below.
“It is not only shops that are looted, but the nation’s hope that is stolen. Our town’s non-governmental groups have resolved not to lose hope. We will not be paralyzed by fear and inactivity.
Our Knysna community strives for kindness and togetherness. We do all we can to create a better future together. Our NGOs, community leaders, and business leaders are required now more than ever to keep hope, togetherness, and good neighbourliness alive for those we serve and ourselves.
We have formed a syndicate of NGOs, businesses, schools, and community members who have resolved to continue serving the needs of those in need. The group’s mission is to encourage:
- Sharing of ideas, resources and encouragement
- Continuing to serve those in need
- To maximise collaboration efforts -when our individual organizations are unable to meet a need or when we have resources but are unable to deliver.
The more we align our goals and objectives, the greater impact and influence we will have for our area. We are spreading the message that our community’s hope has not been stolen – and that locals will continue to serve their community with greater enthusiasm and energy. While these acts might seem inconsequential from a national standpoint, they can have profound effects on the people who receive them. The advantage goes beyond providing food and service to fostering community and unity.
Helping your neighbour is something that everyone can do. Collectively, these small acts of kindness and generosity have a huge multiplier effect. It takes everyone to make a little difference, and the multiplier effect is profound. Let’s break the cycle of violence by supporting businesses, sharing knowledge, and focusing on growth over destruction. Let us build on the positives and share resources and ideas to continue to grow and improve Knysna for everyone’s benefit.
The Knysna Collective met for the first time last week to discuss plans for their collaborative efforts.
This initiative will establish a system of seamless support for those who are in desperate need during the current twin crises – Covid and the unrest in parts of our country.
The meeting drew a large number of participants, who discussed strategies for increasing feeding capacity for communities in desperate need, as well as strategies for creating employment opportunities for those who had their jobs eliminated as a result of the Covid pandemic. In order to find solutions for the communities that have been affected by the pandemic, the group proposed:
- Updating the database of existing community kitchens and determining the extent of the need for further assistance, and;
- Developing small-scale businesses and food production projects in the region in order to create a long-term sustainable employment model.
“We came together as a response to the current crisis that is affecting the country. We all want peace in our country, as well as a brighter future for it. As a group, we want to support one another and work together for the greater good of all involved. There was complete consensus that by working together we would make a significant practical difference and build a spirit of hope and optimism.” Ms Sandy Ueckermann, Managing Director of KILT, concluded.
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