Manenberg is famous for its gang wars and drug addicts, but not many know there is a couple who work tirelessly to help gangsters walk away from that life.
Manenberg, South Africa – The area has come under fire once again after the army was sent in to combat the rife gang wars and increasing crime rate. International news started reporting on the measures being taken to bring the community under control once again.
Manenberg is at the very centre of the Western Cape’s most significant issues, which include drug use and gangsterism. These issues affect several communities, but it is worst within the Manenberg community. Nothing the army has done has helped the city in the slightest, unfortunately.
Tree of Life is the only Manenberg-based organisation offering long-term residential assistance for young men seeking freedom from drug addiction and gangsterism. The non-profit has been running for over ten years, where they employ 15 local people and have several volunteers. It is managed by Pete and Sarah Portal who are passionate about making a change in the lives of former gangsters.
The home has become a beacon within the community for gangsters who wish to get out of the gang life. The home assists with drug rehabilitation and finding employment. The home also provides a family base for the men, something they don’t often get to experience.
“Our home, called Cru62, currently offers accommodation in a family environment for seven young men at various stages of recovery from drugs such as tik (crystal meth), unga (heroin) and mandrax (a tranquiliser with psychotic side effects), and who have decided to leave gangs.
Cru62 is the only residential option in Manenberg for high risk youth seeking sobriety and freedom
We are a team of four, and run a daily program which includes: counselling, one-on-one mentoring, boxing, Narcotics Anonymous, leadership development, written step-work sessions, vocational training, inner healing prayer, restorative justice, surfing, mediation and family reconciliation, 5-a-side soccer… amongst other things!
Each individual commits to an 18 month process. Tree of Life does not charge anyone who lives in Cru62.”
The home has been at capacity for some time with a growing waiting list. They saved and managed to buy a block of flats right across the road. The new building is in a dilapidated condition, so the team are hoping to raise funds to bring it up to scratch and make it a functional addition to their accommodation offerings.
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“Those currently in the program will be able to join the team, mentor the next intake and pass on all they’ve learnt. The very individuals’ society has given up hope on, can exemplify and multiply the change Manenberg so desperately needs – it’s already happening on a small scale, but with your support, we can accelerate and transform even more lives.”
The need to raise a whopping R900,000.00 and are fully aware of how much money that is. They shared a detailed list of what the funds would mean for the new building.
“We understand R900,000 (£47,000) is a lot of money. We’ve consulted a structural engineer, as well as an architect and quantity surveyor. Comprehensive costings are being drawn up – though it’s clear this initial amount we are hoping to crowdfund will only cover the first phase of building work. The fact is, there is a lot of work to be done in turning seven (fairly neglected) flats into a large family home that not only meets fire and safety requirements but also lasts.
For Phase One of the renovations, we need to:
- Repair and paint all the exterior walls
- Plaster and paint internal walls
- Replace broken windows and burglar bars
- Put in new guttering and fascias, and sort out the drainage
- Move internal walls around to change the layout, as well as put in new fixtures and fittings
- Install two new kitchens and new bathrooms
- Re-waterproof the balcony and put in a palisade
- Sort out the damp on the ground floor
- Create a secure parking area for four cars
- Architects fees”
Take a look at their story below, and if you wish to help them reach their financial goal, you can donate to their Thundafund here.
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