To honour community leaders and activists for their selfless acts the Cape Flats Krotoa Alumni restarted on Saturday 13 August following a one year break.
The initiative is the brainchild of community activist Roegshanda Pasco.
It was launched in 2020.
Pascoe says: “I want to celebrate my fellow activists and leaders in communities doing extraordinary work. I want to say thank you, but I also want them to feel proud of themselves and their achievements. They don’t have degrees, it’s their living situations that has molded them to serve.”
Pasco explains that participants are nominated by residents and that this year they received more than 100 entries.
A total of 69 nominees were selected of which 20 are elderly people.
Pasco says this year’s nominees consist of men, women and members from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, asexual and many other gender and sexual identities (LGBTQIA+) community.
“In a space where women are raped, murdered and men are called trash. We must not forget that women are giving birth to these men. What are we saying about ourselves when we call out men as trash?”
She explains that she started a group for men, where men can tell their stories and the abuse that they go through as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
“They go through a healing circle, and this will continue until Saturday 5 November. After that they will invite us to their communities where they have organised healing circles.”
On Saturday proceedings started with entertainment and guest speakers followed by an art exhibition held at the Castle of Good Hope.
The exhibition included a showcase of the painful realities of women on the Cape Flats.
Their artwork will be exhibited from Sunday 6 November at the Iziko Museum Slave Lodge.
John Goliath was nominated for his efforts to keep young people off the street and occupied with basketball.
According to Goliath, he started the basketball club 28 years ago.
Today, the Heideveld resident also runs a soup kitchen and is part of the neighbourhood watch.
Goliath says he is elated about his nomination.
“I am here because of the community; I am not here on my own. I am representing people. I feel good about it. My art piece speaks to development, and I am glad that I can be here for the community.”
Marlene Goliath, from Eersteriver, runs a soup kitchen and a support group for women who are victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
Goliath says she also forms part of a soccer programme for the youth.
She explains that her passion for community work was spike because she was a victim of GBV.
Marlene says she feels “honoured” that her efforts are being recognised.
“It is really an honour for me to know that there are people that recognise the work that I am doing in the community. You give so much for other people, but sometimes you forget about yourself.”
Chaye Almacin (19) runs a feeding scheme called Intsapho Teen Movement with her younger sister Jayde.
The Plumstead duo started the organisation in 2019 after the loss of a close friend due to heart failure.
Commenting on their nomination Almacin says: “It feels great. We feel more empowered, recognised and appreciated. We have learnt to overcome our pain, healing, growth. We have also learnt to appreciate what and who we have.”
Pascoe explains that a gala event for the nominees will take place on Saturday 5 November at the City Hall.
Tickets for the gala event costs R350.
- For more information email Shanda.pascoe20@gmail.com
