“Heartfelt Stories: Episode One”" style="display: none;" />
This week sees the beginning of a series of ‘Heartfelt Stories’ told by our Ladles of Love team members from different perspectives, as we endeavour to bring you rich stories from the people you are supporting in our poorest communities.
Stepping out of your comfort zone in the middle of a Cape Town storm is not easy, especially when you’re scheduled to visit an informal settlement deep in the heart of Marikana, Philippi. If you’re struggling with time to read the story – watch the movie below!
Meet Earl Kruger our Social Media Content Manager who shares his story:
“On a recent rainy Tuesday, the sky was cloaked in dark clouds, and the roads were slick with water. I wasn’t eager to head out for my weekly in-field visit—especially knowing the journey would take me through the rugged, potholed roads leading into Marikana, an informal settlement in Philippi. But duty called, so I mustered the courage, packed a box of colouring books, and grabbed a bag filled with squishy dolls lovingly made by volunteers on Mandela Day.
My timing was fortunate; Leonard, the deputy principal of Community Kids Pots ECD, arrived at our Epping warehouse to collect the weekly pallet of food for the centre. After loading everything into a van—generously sponsored by a woman named Suzanne, who had noticed the transportation challenges Leonard and Amanda faced— I followed him on the 20-minute drive to Marikana.
As we entered the settlement, the roads deteriorated dramatically. It wasn’t just potholes; the streets were pockmarked with what could only be described as miniature dams. What should have been a quick 100-meter drive felt like an eternity, as we navigated around deep puddles and waterlogged craters at a snail’s pace. But eventually, after what felt like endless zig-zagging, we arrived at a double-story building overlooking a gravel soccer pitch and a large body of water—possibly a river or lagoon.
As I helped Leonard unload the van, I was immediately greeted by the cheerful commotion of the little ones inside. The centre’s entrance featured a small fireplace, where warm ashes swirled gently in the breeze. The building itself had no artificial lighting, relying instead on a large open space in the roof that allowed natural light to filter down from Leonard and Amanda’s living quarters on the second floor. It was a simple but ingenious solution, highlighting how they had adapted to their circumstances with creativity and resilience.
Despite the severe flooding both inside and outside the ECD, the meagre funds they receive from parents, and the myriad challenges they face daily, Amanda and Leonard remain unwavering in their mission. They are a beacon of hope for these children, guiding them through the often dark and uncertain paths that life in an informal settlement can hold.
It’s easy to focus on the negative stories we hear about informal settlements—the dangers, the crime, the poverty. But what about the others? the women, the children, and the men who venture out in the rain, trudging through the mud to provide for their families.
People like Suzanne, a compassionate woman from Germany, who saw the harsh realities of life in Marikana and decided to act. She donated a van for the ECD, ensuring the children have safe transportation. Or, The Excellence Group, who fitted out their kitchen to prepare nutritious meals.
Many have faced unfortunate circumstances, but it’s up to each of us todo our part—to offer a helping hand where we can. If not for our fellow men and women, then at least for the hungry child wandering the streets of our poorest communities. In the end, it’s the power of collaboration, the power of giving, and the strength of partnerships that will help us all move
forward, together.”
Thank you Earl for reminding us what’s important and why we do what we do—touching lives with love, dignity and respect.
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With abundant blessings,
Danny and the team at Ladles of love ❤️
