In 2007, Vebego Foundation committed to its first project in South Africa: the development of the Mziki Agri Village. This initiative was started by Peter Cornelius, a white farmer who made his land available to build 385 homes for the predominantly poor Black community, many of whom were still living in very basic conditions.
Due to South Africa’s long political history, residents of the area were more like former adversaries than neighbours. Through the Peace & Development Programme, a group of 85 residents worked together to build mutual respect, trust and appreciation – an essential foundation for the project’s success.
During previous building trips, we visited several schools in the region. These visits highlighted urgent needs: overcrowded classrooms, outdoor cooking areas, and leaking roofs. After identifying the schools’ most pressing challenges, Vebego Foundation partnered with Project Build – a social enterprise that involves parents in the construction work.
This approach resulted in a strong, sustainable school building and gave parents the opportunity to learn practical building skills. These skills also help them maintain the school in the long term. Thanks to improved facilities and more hygienic classrooms and kitchens, both students and staff now enjoy better health and learning conditions.
To encourage self-reliance, Vebego Foundation supported a two-year training project that taught families how to grow their own food in kitchen gardens. Thirty families took part and later passed on their knowledge to other households in the community.
To help protect the gardens from roaming and grazing animals, the foundation also provides a fencing machine. This not only safeguarded the gardens but also created local job opportunities through its use and maintenance.
In 2007 and 2008, Vebego colleagues teamed up with Habitat for Humanity and local builders to construct 140 homes. The goal was to help the community become self-sufficient and independent in the long run. During the time spent in the area, it became clear – through both presence and research – that residents needed more than just housing: food and employment were two of their most urgent needs.
