Thieves target disablity workshop

KNYSNA NEWS - A workshop in Hornlee that aims to provide support and assistance for disabled members of the community, Die Werkswinkel, was struck by thieves who broke into the property on Thursday 19 May to steal wood, light bulbs and copper wiring.

While the theft of the copper wiring simply means they will experience electrical issues in the storeroom, the theft of the wood has had a large impact on the day-to-day running of the workshop.

According to workshop manager Veronique Fortune, wood is an essential part of what they do. "It is the primary material that our members use to create their products," she said.

Workshop coordinator Edwin Pedro seconded this. "Our main operation is creating or renovating wooden products, and without the wood, naturally we can't do either of these things," he explained.

At Die Werkswinkel, disabled members of the community can find solace in a safe space where they can create products alongside fellow disabled individuals.

Relstian Malgraaf regularly does carpentry work at Die Werkswinkel.

"It creates an environment where they can feel at home. We provide the individuals with technical training and allow them to develop skills they wouldn't necessarily be able to acquire elsewhere," Pedro said.

Individuals who apply their skills at Die Werkswinkel do so through carpentry or embroidery, and sometimes both disciplines are combined into one product.

"Whenever someone creates a product we sell it to the person who commissioned it, or we put it out for purchase by the public at the market area in Main Street across from St James Square," said Fortune.

"We then give the person who made the product commission from the sale, and through this we are able to provide a means in which they can make a living and earn money."

The perimeter fence of the property is also regularly damaged.

People who pass through Die Werks-Winkel don't always stay there, as Pedro explains. "Sometimes all we do is provide them with training to develop those technical abilities, and they then go off and apply it elsewhere, sometimes even starting their own businesses."

But, all of this fantastic work is of course jeopardised when thieves steal the main source of their livelihood.

The theft was immediately reported to the police, but according to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, no arrests have been made.

"Investigation at the scene indicates that the suspects forced a window open to access the premises," he said.

He also urged the public to come forward and assist with the case in any way they can.

"Anyone with information may contact the investigation officer, Sergeant De Ridder, on 044 302 6652. All information will be treated with the utmost confidence."

Diane Kleynhans is one of the individuals who do embroidery work.