After the first 120 days of Dignity to Rise, six community projects are already moving from ideas to action for the non-political private initiative that’s working with Overstrand Municipality’s Socio-Economic Services Department.
Launched on 28 May to achieve zero poverty in the Overstrand by 2031, Dignity to Rise brought together business owners, creative professionals and community leaders, generating 93 project ideas.
Among those underway is the Hermanus Passport project led by Terri Muller in partnership with the local tourism sector. It aims to showcase lesser-known experiences across the greater Overstrand beyond the region’s familiar whale-watching attractions.
In the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a farmer has made land available for the Central Grow Zone, led by Heinrich Ungerer of the Food Security Program.
Vegetables will be grown in planter boxes, and most of the produce will go to local early childhood development (ECD) centres. Surplus produce, sold locally, will help make the project financially sustainable.
The team is also exploring a second community grow-zone, where an ECD centre could serve as a seedling nursery.
The initiative is also giving young people an opportunity to tell their own community stories. Filmmaker Jackie Viviers is training two young people in mobile-phone filmmaking.
They will document local people, projects and community needs – in their own voices.
Dignity to Rise has appointed Khanya Sogobile as assistant project manager and is beginning discussions with businesses about internships to give young people practical workplace experience.
Since the May launch, the initiative has registered 50 volunteers and engaged with 75 NGOs, schools and ECD centres to identify needs and opportunities.
The 120-day cycles are intended to keep projects focused and accountable. The next cycle starts in October. Planned projects include feeding schemes, ECD support and further job-creation opportunities.
To contribute, register as a volunteer, partner or funder, visit dignitytorise.co.za or email dignitytorise@gmail.com.
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