Knysna-Plett Herald | Knysna couple gives hope to men

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Knysna couple gives hope to men
14:25 (GMT+2), Mon, 20 August 2012

André van Niekerk

KNYSNA NEWS - Despite their own financial dire straights, Knysna plumber André van Niekerk and his wife Isobella, continued feeding the destitute men anxiously seeking employment on George Rex Drive.

Not only that, but with the help of Van Halderen's Caltex Garage, Surform Gas and two anonymous friends, they have also begun giving 'parcels of hope' twice a month. This, despite having lost their vehicle due to the current economic climate. The parcels contain 1kg maize meal, four tins of food, soya meat, soap and washing powder.

"These guys know that no matter what - if it's pouring or the wind is howling - they can count on me showing up," Van Niekerk puts up a brave smile. That is the reason, he believes, that 94 people showed up last time despite extreme weather.

"When I couldn't pay my bakkie anymore, these guys came and put their arm around me and they comforted me," he chokes up.

The Van Niekerk's charity organisation, Ama Sebenza Sebenza, operates as a go-between for the men seeking employment and those who might consider giving them employment.

Anybody who can help the Van Niekerks' efforts in any way or can assist with ideas about training or employment, contact André van Niekerk on 079 6476 123 or at plumco@absamail.co.za.


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Your Comments...


johnlyn says:	21/08/2012 20:15:37
Andre and Isobella have hearts of gold and I hope that more people back them in their efforts with the poor and desperate - and perhaps help them out of their own dire situation. Keep up this great work Andre and Isobella - you are an example for us all to give and give and give again. May you be richly rewarded and recover all that you have lost.