02. Who are we?
September 2009
Teenage Zimbabwean refugee Tafadswa Mashagwa describes how he slept under Cape Town bridges in sacks and boxes, foraged in dustbins for food and was eventually hospitalised for malnutrition, before non-profit organisation the Adonis Musati Project (AMP) found him.
He was speaking at the launch of AMP on Wednesday 9 September in Cape Town, where the project leaders described how they are forging a response to the refugee crisis “that South Africa can be proud of”. They also screened a short film about the project, by TV producer Anna Telford, called ‘A Better Life’.
AMP has assisted thousands of refugees in the past two years. It was named after Adonis Musati, a young Zimbabwean who died of starvation in Cape Town while waiting for his asylum application to be processed. He had not eaten for more than two weeks.
Distressed that such a tragedy could occur unnoticed in the middle of one of the most vibrant and progressive cities in Africa, Gahlia Brogneri and Terry Hodson founded the AMP to provide support and assistance for Zimbabwean refugees seeking asylum.
“How we respond as a nation to the human suffering of the refugees entering South Africa in search of help, is often dependent upon our own situation. The recent xenophobic violence is a matter of grave concern, but the national culture of ubuntu is very heartening” said Brogneri. “Each person may display a different way of dealing with a problem that will not disappear and needs to be addressed in a manner that will benefit everyone striving to make a living and provide for their families.”
To date, AMP has assisted thousands of refugees with food, clothing, training and accommodation. It now has 300 refugees on its books, who are being helped and guided towards independence with many more approaching them each week.
Until now, refugees have been housed in any ad-hoc shelter available. However, a half-way house on a piece of agricultural land between Kommetjie and Fish Hoek was recently made available and is now the home for 12 young refugee boys whom the project is assisting to get back on their feet. They moved into the house only days ago with their houseparents, who are also Zimbabwean refugees.
“These boys, who travelled to South Africa alone, have no other place to stay. “Teenagers are the most vulnerable group and if left on the streets they get coerced into all kinds of criminal activity. Some of them have already been through this,” says Gahlia.
Similar shelter is needed for other vulnerable groups – the disabled, single mothers and widows. The AMP would also like to start training projects to teach the refugees entrepreneurial skills and enable them to contribute to the local economy.
“The needs of these people are simple. Their immediate requirements are food, clothing – particularly footwear – blankets and shelter. For many of those who arrive penniless and starving after a harrowing journey, the only home is under a bridge on the Foreshore, where they gather.”
Ten volunteers manage the AMP, although another 20 help whenever possible, and every cent received goes towards helping the refugees. Office space in Salt River has been given free of charge and only the much-needed office manager, Zimbabwean refugee Barbara Zhungu, receives remuneration from a three-month sponsorship.
“When a 15-year-old child travels 1000’s of kilometres, is traumatised, robbed, beaten and alone and says that his wish is to be able to send money home to his siblings without which they will die, he really means it,” says Brogneri. “This is a monumental load for anyone carry, let alone a child.”
To find out more about the Adonis Musati Project or to assist- either as a volunteer, or to donate food, clothing, or make a financial contribution – contact Gayle on 082 902 8781 or gayle@adonismusatiproject.org or look at www.adonismusatiproject.org.
AMP Short Film
Part 1
Part 2