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Zimbabwe Pensioner Supporters Fund
December 2009 Harare Route Trip Report
It is with mixed feelings that I once again put pen to paper so to speak for this the final trip report for 2009. It has been a great year as far as helping the older folk go, yet looking back I tend to wonder, “did we do all we could do”? This was without a doubt the most traumatic year for most of our pensioners in that they and many others, lost everything they built their hopes on. Pensions and nest eggs were wiped away overnight as the Zimbabwe currency first crashed and then disappeared altogether. I have never experienced such positivism in the “glaring face” of hopelessness. More about that will be in the 2009 Overview, which will be out early in the New Year.
On this trip I was very privileged to have the love of my life, the well known “Miss World 1970”, my dear wife Liz accompany me on the epic journey to be His Hand extended to the many, many needy oldies in Zimbabwe. On this trip we also carried a Christmas Gift for every person on our lists. This was achieved with the help of many “Lady Helpers” who volunteered their time to pack and sort all the gifts and to those who also generously gave financially for this cause, “THANK YOU” all you wonderful STARS. Our God’s richest blessings are wishes for you and your families. Liz rode the UD90 with me and we had a wonderful trip. We left for the border on 30th November to sort out final paperwork and sleep over with our kind friends Henry and Elizabeth Cameron in Musina.
Tuesday 1st December. We spent the most part of the day at the border waiting for documents, some legal and some fictitiously concocted by the runner on the Zimbabwe side. It is amazing how the goal posts are subject to change when we are in his company. It is also a pity that one individual can so effectively harm the relationship with the clearing agent which has been built up over many years. We finally left the border around 8pm and headed off to Masvingo keeping our hosts up until almost midnight. Gerhard and Trudi Burger would not allow us to retire without having a warm dinner & coffee. We have been blessed with wonderful hosts throughout the country as you well know by now.
Wednesday 2nd December. On arrival we were told that Denise Hine had passed away since our last visit. We offloaded at the various homes having an early start, dropped medication for some folk, picked up as many empty boxes as we could and headed for Chivhu where we were met by Albert and Lennie Kirstein who are in charge of distribution in that little town. Here we were informed that Mr Fanie Erasmus had passed away.
After some enquiries we found that they were unfortunately becoming the “orphans” of the fund. This was not intentional but rather due to circumstances, some avoidable and some not. We are however looking at improving their lot as far as our effort is concerned and already we have people in Zimbabwe offering their help. As many of their boxes were destroyed by rain we left taking a shortcut to Mutare where we arrived at 6.30pm to spend the next few nights with hosts Des and Sally Becker and Sharon and Chris Maas.
Thursday 3rd December. We awoke to deluges of rain that continued until after lunch. As welcome as it was to the locals and the surrounding flora, it was a proverbial spoke in our wheels. Des and his super team of helpers came to our rescue using his pickup truck and trailer to move the hampers. Then uncle “Murphy” stepped up to the plate!!! The drawbar of the trailer broke off and we spent the rest of the afternoon ferrying hampers around with the Land Cruiser. Not once did I detect any sign of dismay or dejection from anyone considering we finished late that afternoon. What a great bunch to be involved with. It was also noteworthy to see that the reviving businesses and shops were getting involved in the pensioners lot and whilst there in Mutare, Spar Supermarket was giving them a Christmas luncheon and we were invited, but alas, the rain delay played a role that prevented our indulgence. We were told that Mr and Mrs Margeson were taking advantage of the British repatriation scheme and leaving at the end of December. In the “B” scheme, the frail care section, we also had four people who had passed away. They are Mr Norman Fubbs, Mr Sonny Harris, Mrs Bess Hill and Mrs Barbara Robinson.
Here I also want to mention that Lavina Quinn and friends from Johannesburg donated enough Christmas decorations so that each home that has a lounge and dining room could put them up. This was greeted with a BIG WOW! as most couldn’t remember when last they saw some. Thank you for your great initiative
Friday 4th December. More rain greeted us this morning so we waited into the afternoon to collect the empties. During the collecting of the boxes we were inundated with thanks for the food hampers and the unexpected Christmas gifts. Many tearfully handed over cards and thankyou letters; some not having had a gift of any sort in years. Thanks again ladies
We repacked the truck separating the empties from the still to be delivered, handed some gifts to the helpers and retired to the home of Chris and Sharon Maas to spend the night. We got to know them better and thank the Lord for such selfless people.
Saturday 5th December. Up early to a real “Rhodesian farm style breakfast”, loaded the last few boxes said our goodbyes and headed to Rusape for our next delivery. Thanks to Des’s advance warning system we were greeted by a welcoming crowd and the distribution went fast and effective. Mr Mc Envoy had taken advantage of the repatriation scheme and left to greener pastures as well. Mr George Rodgel will be leaving at the end of December for the UK too. Empties were collected and we were soon en route to Harare where we were to do the Waterfalls Trust for the first time arriving around afternoon teatime. You, our supporters and sponsors and friends have no idea of how it races one’s heart when you experience the unbounded joy that emanates from these broken folk when they see us. Their joy is truly “ Joy unspeakable and FULL of glory. No matter how difficult and stressful the journey, their countenance of gratitude and appreciation reduces me to tears every time and reminds me about the purpose of our operation. Here we had a welcome and refreshing cuppa tea to indicate to us that our race against time was over for the time being. It was also while travelling to Harare that a large stone was thrown up by a passing truck and our windscreen got quite a bad chip mark on it. Thank the Lord it was right on the edge. While in Harare, we stayed with our special friends, Philip & Claire Gilbert Green again, who go out of their way to see that we are cared for, bless you guys, we appreciate it all.
Sunday 6th December. We were up early and off to Bindura to see our friends at Mazoe Valley Trust and spent some time encouraging some of the folk there. Roy and Bev Bishop had left for the UK and Eileen Crowe was departing for the UK end of the month. Things are not conducive to a “Merry Christmas” in that area as for the first time we encountered depressed folk. Liz was an absolute asset here as she dished out “TLC” in good doses. We then left for Malvern Trust in Mvurwi where we not only dropped the customary goods for the Kitchen but were also able to leave every person with a Christmas gift. At this point I cannot help to stress once again our gratitude to our donors of Xmas gift packets, thankyou, thankyou and again, thankyou. We then headed back to Harare to rest a little. Much appreciation and thanks again to Hugh Chisnall of the Masonic Lodge in Harare, allowing our trucks to stay overnight whilst we are in Harare
Monday 7th December. We set off to Excel in Harare to see and meet with Jim Forrester who is our new co ordinator there. Thanks to Turville Kille for all the assistance we got while he was there and to Jim, I trust we will have an equally good relationship. From there we dropped the Harare and SOAP goods off at Mike and Marion Futter’s home. We finally managed to leave at 12.30pm from there and thankfully it did not rain that morning. We had wet weather almost non-stop up to that point. We set off for Sunningdale Trust in Chinhoyi and as we arrived the heavens opened up again. We managed to get the hampers under some shelter and waited out the storm before continuing the drop. The change in the countryside from the previous trip was great. Where 80% of our journey was black scorched land, this time due to the rains received the landscapes were lush and green. That night we slept over with a long lost Cousin of mine, Marie and Jan van Aswegan. We spent hours catching up and re - branching the family tree as best we could. They too are in the home in spite of having been affluent tobacco farmers in the area until kicked off. We eventually bedded down very late that evening.
Tuesday 8th December. We were served a good breakfast after which the empty boxes were loaded and we set off for Westview home in Kadoma. Here a lovely reception committee and the efficient pairing of Estelle and Elsie who make boxes disappear as they leave the truck awaited us.
Here we were greeted with the sad news that Mrs Pam Allen had also passed away after a very trying sick bed.
We also managed to drop off much needed adult nappies that were given by Des from Mutare. Nappies are in huge demand and were fortunate to get some surplus from Des. Please contact us if you could supply and donate these adult nappies, it will be so appreciated. We then left to do Lynbrook in Kwekwe where we dropped the hampers and spent the night with Ken and Beda Connolly, thank you so much.. The Christmas gifts of these 2 homes were left with Ken as he and his team had arranged a Christmas party for the 2 homes combined, and the gifts will be given out there. Ken and others in different towns make sure these special folk are cared for, THANK YOU
Wednesday 9th December. Once again we set off on the road to Redcliff where we did the drop,
encouraged the folk and headed towards Bulawayo.
I made contact with the people at “Shamrock Transport” saw Mike Mc Elroy and made arrangements for our trucks to be tended for, to as and when needed. Thank you Peter Buckle and team, God bless you all. Met with some more folk who are sympathetic to the cause. Spent the night at the Southern Comfort Lodge compliments of the owners, Les and Craig Hunt. Many thanks once again to these folk.
Thursday 10th December. Took Liz “SHOPPING” in our old stomping grounds and spent the rest of the day chilling and preparing for the trip home early the next morning. We had a good trip all said and done but, yes, I am glad the year is over and a period of rest, much needed rest will be taken as we need to be rested in order to focus, plan and strategise for 2010. We aim to do better and can only do that with your help. To all who have helped in any way whatever, please accept our heartfelt thanks and our gratitude for what you have done to improve the lot of the Zimbabwe Pensioners. We cannot over stress the fact that you are the backbone of this ministry / operation and we cannot do it without you. We understand that the economy is going through a tough rough patch but we urge you to continue as best you can.
A big Thank you is also extended to the Lions Club of Tzaneen for their donation of Christmas cakes. We could give each Home Christmas cake towards their Christmas lunch or dinner and the appreciation and gratitude cannot be expressed in words. To all of those who donated towards the Christmas gifts in whatever way it may be, THANK YOU and again THANK YOU, you’re not only STARS but also GALAXIES!!
At this point I want to quote.
Philippians.4: 8 and 9. “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things. 9. The things which you learned and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace be with you.”
When we got back to our home in Duiwelskloof, South Africa we were a spent force having covered well over 3000 kms visiting, 12 towns or cities incorporating 14 homes and some frail care institutions involving many hundreds of people and many outsiders waiting for a place in home. When one arrives home you are mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally drained and we take time-out to recover before the next trip. No complaining, just facts and God does continually sustain us.
We, that is Hannes, the drivers, co-ordinators, management, and all involved with getting the goods to the needy Zimbabwe Pensioners trust you had a wonderful and Joyous Christmas and wish you all a Happy, Blessed and Prosperous 2010. Keep up the good work.
Blessings,
Pastor Attie Botha.
Meet Hannes Botha, who has been doing wonderful things for the old folk in Zim. If you would like to contact him, and donate, please get his details from me...
An Overview of 2008.
The year 2008 was the year that ushered in a new dispensation for the Zimbabwe Pensioners Supporters Fund. We started to realize the dream of expanding the network of our goals and our purpose in all areas.
January.
Mr Norman Nimmo, one of the men who caught the vision, put his shoulder to the wheel and drove his first solo trip with both truck and trailer for the full round trip in early January. At this point I want to include an excerpt from one of the pensioners from his trip report.
Inflation at that stage was 14000%. “Yesterday was Monday and a very blue one at that as we are in our third day without electricity and water and were all down in the dumps when a little whisper started. Mavis came around and told us that Norman Nimmo and crew were on their way with the truck. What wonderful therapy, it got us all going, tidying up and getting finished with lunch. I felt like running up to the truck and cheering but decided that it was rather unseemly for an old bird of 76 to run around like a 17 year old, but heck, I felt like one! If it were not for those” angels” we would surely starve. I am deeply touched and thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
February.
The February trip was done by me and I was accompanied by Mr Tiny de Klerk from Levubu. It was his first trip and he came back a changed man having seen first hand what the circumstances were that we report on each trip. His tearful words were, “ If I did not see it with my own eyes I would not believe it.” We again came across many needy people that we added to the growing list and left many homes humbled by the good wishes and thankfulness of the people. There is nothing so touching as when a little lady knocks on your door as you are ready to depart and she hands you a few “sarmies” for the road ahead. The gratefulness of the folk cannot be measured in words, and don’t think of turning the offer down. As much as they battle to survive, you are first in their eyes.
Whispers of a donation of a truck excited us and we were filled with hope as our little Dyna was showing signs of tiredness. It was also in February we were given the use of a large warehouse facility in Tzaneen by a farmer in the area, Mr François Foster.
March.
This trip had Hannes at the helm accompanied by a team from Richards Bay and they knew the importance of the trip as Zim elections were due at the end of the month and we did not know how things would develop. Surprisingly the border crossing was quiet and the trip quite uneventful as all were presumably busy with electioneering. The situation has really deteriorated and we found a lack of water, electricity and a spin off from that, toilet facilities, very few and far between. Picture yourself on the loo busy with the worst and then looking up to see a sign; “Use the bucket provided for all paper etc excluding Zim dollars, in order to save water,
Flush only when necessary.” The cost of living was spiraling out of control, Hannes bought a few tomatoes at the roadside for $25000:00 so we could have a sandwich or two for lunch.
The next day we delivered at Pioneer Trust in Masvingo and one of the ladies blessed us with freshly baked muffins. We are so spoilt on these trips. It was only after three days travel that we could finally get proper ablutions in Gweru and take a much needed shower, wash hair and feel good and clean and fresh. We finished this trip a few days before the elections so all had a good supply in case things went wrong.
April.
Due to the complications of the elections we did not do a trip but did much needed maintenance to the truck and trailer and some aggressive marketing around the country.
It was also in April that we finally got registered as a Non Profit Organisation and started the long road of getting the past sorted out. As you all know, this venture was started out of Hannes’s pocket seven years ago while he still held down a nine to five job. Over the years, with your help it has grown to this wonderful vehicle that directly and indirectly serve more than a thousand pensioners to date. It has come with many teething problems and growing pains but we do thank you for believing in us and the work we do.
May.
Our May trip was done by myself in the company of Graham Kloke who was again a first timer and an ex Zimbabwe chap. We were now serving at least 100 more folk than in January and the need for the next truck was really being felt. Old faithful was creaking on all her joints. We were also becoming unpopular at the weigh bridges.
Inflation had now reached 300,000% and was rapidly going for 400,000% and in fact reached that before we got back to SA. A pensioner and skilled worker earned Zim$. 4 billion and 10kg maize meal or bread flour was selling at Zim$. 4,200,000,000:00 and fresh milk at Zim$. 1,500,000,000:00 per liter. At Zim$ 25,000,000:00 a box, matches were more expensive than a candle at Zim$ 14,000,000:00 each. Folks, there is no hope for our legacy builders at this rate.
We also noticed that many folk needed chronic medication and as even your run of the mill pain killers were not available we started looking for a way to address this need. It was on this trip that a gent came up to me, asked how to get on the system and after explaining when I hugged him, he wept saying he cannot remember the last time anyone hugged him, encouraged him and even suggested he was useful, wanted and loved. Some of these folk have been dumped and abandoned by their children and families.
It was also in May that I threw all my weight behind Hannes and this great ministry of serving the old folk in Zimbabwe. Up to this stage I helped out where possible.
June.
This trip was also undertaken by me in the company of a great team of pioneers from Empangeni and Richards Bay. Branie van Niekerk, who now heads up the Zululand office, Marina van den Heever who is on holiday in New Zealand and was holding the Zululand reins, Liz Beckett, a nursing sister and Julia Conradie from Hluhluwe also in Zululand. This was a fearless group who took to the task as a duck to water and came out emotionally bruised but not broken. They experienced many heartaches and pain as they witnessed the “DIRE” need of certain individuals. We spent much time in prayer for restoration of our spirits so we could face the next day strong again.
In Kadoma we attended a young man’s 21st and had a great night. The cake was 240mm square, 65mm thick choc/vanilla mix iced with chocolate and on it proudly stood a lone household candle. One of his most treasured gifts was 20 litres of Petrol. Man can these people improvise or what. Long forgotten is the need for “bling” and material goods. That night, due to a mix up in sleeping arrangements, I, a pastor, spent the night in one room with those same intrepid ladies. ”
“Oh what a night.”
All over the country we again witnessed the rapid decline as more and more towns only have a limited supply of lights and water and when you have the one the other is off. You just cannot plan as interruptions are not announced or regular. Money is worthless and food is scarce.
In Sherugwe we found folk again struggling on their 3rd day without food. We could help thanks to you, our kind donors. At one of the homes in Bulawayo the ladies found a couple sitting in darkness, having had the electricity switched off, no hope of a tomorrow, sitting together waiting for the inevitable. On being given 2 food hampers they collapsed in tears of gratitude. They too are now on our list of recipients. So the numbers go up end up. It was also in June that the stirrings of news regarding the truck from the Western Cape became a little clearer creating in us a spirit of expectancy again. We were beginning to visualize the moment.
July.
Hannes went down to the people in The Cape to collect the Nissan UD 80 refrigeration truck from our donors, Darling Roomery and Nissan. Late July, he traveled back filling the truck en route to the point where a trailer was needed and we were donated an enclosed 2 ton trailer. This unit too was subsequently filled. Our sincere thanks once more to the people of the Cape for their generosity. We had a mammoth task reloading the 2 trucks and trailers and did our first double header, moving twice as much as before. Hannes and I were also accompanied on this trip by my dear wife Liz, Yvonne, Daniel Koekemoer, our Greater Durban coordinator’s first time, Joe Nieman and Richard Seed who came along to do a documentary followed a day later. Joining us in Bulawayo was Maron Barnard from Australia. She came to see what we were up to and went back to Australia and now does fund raising there for this very worthy cause. This was also the first trip that we could move bulk fresh veggies and we moved 4 tons of potatoes, onions, pumpkins, Hubbard squash and butternuts, and oh boy, were they gratefully accepted. On this trip we also painfully heard how folk whom we had not known of, budget carefully for- - - wait for it, two to three meals a week. A tin of sardines will be stretched to do a family of two, at least three meals each with putu, pumpkin leaves and onion. The same went for corned beef, and still they would greet you with a smile and a firm handshake, not whining about their situation but asking after your welfare. Real men and women of valour!!
August.
Our second outing with the two trucks ended in disaster when the Dyna’s engine died due to the oil seals on the turbo collapsing and the engine revved to destruction. This was to be the beginning of a spell of bad fortune. However, a long time friend of Hannes’s, Jan Fritz, came to our rescue and loaned us his 4 tonner with a driver to complete the trip with. We were also able to store our little one at the depot of Rob Elliot in Beitbridge. Thank you chaps, without you we would have failed to deliver. It was while waiting for daylight that the Beitbridge thieves cut open the tarp over the trailer and stole half the load before I could treat them to some pepper spray. Hannes and I were traveling solo on this trip but were to meet up with the Mobile Clinic of Hannes Snyman and his aide Elbe Britz who came along on a mercy trip with LOTS of medicines for the needy and oh boy did their visit go down well. Many folk had not seen a doctor in years or received treatment of any kind for similar periods. Just the tender ear of someone who cares made many eyes glow with hope again.
Annette van der Merwe from the Eastern Cape drove the entire journey from her home, around Zimbabwe and back again in a little VW Golf. Now that’s commitment and dedication for you. On this trip the hitch of the bigger trailer cracked and was repaired before it could do serious damage. Our trip was successful in that we did what we set out to do. Once again we served more folk by now carrying extra hampers on each trip and working with trusted locals to help identify the needy. We also did Marondera, Mvurwi and Chinhoyi for the first time. Before we left the hampers at nearby locations for the folk to collect. This way however, we see the need first hand and can address it properly. This has also added close to a hundred more to our growing list.
October.
This trip was done by six of us again, Hannes, Branie, Johan Blignaut from Richards Bay, Annette and Elbe traveling up with the medic VW Kombi and me.
Just outside Nelspruit out smaller 2 ton trailer unhitched itself and self destructed on the roadside. We found a helpful farmer who pulled it out of the ditch and stored it on his farm awaiting our return. Three hundred kms down the road on the Abel Erasmus pass the hitch of the large trailer cracked along the previous weld again and we needed to do en emergency repair job to get us to out warehouse in Tzaneen where later that morning we were able to get a new one from Polokwane, fit it, and continue on our journey. Once in Zimbabwe we were again confronted with cases of absolute hopelessness. You need to come along to experience it Mugabe had just removed 10 zeros from the currency changing Z$50,000,000,000:00, that’s 50 billion to Z$5:00. Bear in mind that at that stage a pensioner earned between Z$5,000,000:00 and Z$12,000,000:00. Unless you earned or had access to forex you had NOTHING.. five dollars could not even buy 10 matches and the pensioners have to live. We were greeted open armed and saw our packages put to good use, one hamper being shared with another family not yet on our list. You want to run away as you see one clinging to a loaf of bread as if it were a gold bar.
The good news is that the cops at the road blocks are beginning to recognize the trucks and in place of the normal harassment we are now thanked for the good work we are doing. Praise the Lord for that.
November.
The year is steadily drawing to a close and we already see the time of R and R calling us. This trip Norman Nimmo, Daniel, Tiny and I are to be the bearers of good stuff for the folk. After a few hick-ups we set sail only to have the little “green riding hoods” clutch plate, fail and disintegrate just 30 kms beyond Nelspruit. Norman had to abort the trip for a week and I carried on. Daniel traveled with me to Levubu where we were joined by Tiny. Due to the paper trail not being in order we crossed 2 days late and Daniel had a serious deadline to meet which resulted in us rushing through the country. At that stage Hannes was in Zimbabwe too escorting Sean Kelly on a trip to show him what we are doing and to give him ammo to raise funds in the UK for the fund. It was also the first time we made use of Redan fuel coupons as the fridge truck only has a 200 litre fuel tank and we could not milk the Dyna with it’s 600 litres spare diesel. The pathetic state of the roads make travelling difficult and we only travel daylight hours. Since upgrading our tyres on the Dyna we have done away with blowouts etc. Again, almost ad nausea we see how the wheels are coming off that once prosperous country. I stopped on the roadside to buy a wooden model of a John Deer tractor and was quoted in US$ by a nine year old boy. The price was outrageous to say the least. On this trip we found many more to add to our growing list and visited some of the homes where they still lived. There was no food, no electricity or water. Once respected citizens were now cooking outside on open fires and washing themselves in galvanized tubs with green washing soap, not Palmolive or Lux or Dove, no, the stuff your servants wash their clothes with. We at least with your help are able to give the ones we serve good Lux or Palmolive. Our hampers were lovingly carried off along with some fresh veggies. Petrol coupons have become legal tender alongside the S.A. Rand and US$. It’s diabolical to see on street traders working the black market prices in these currencies. Oh, yes, remember our OAP’s do not earn or have any of this. They, of they are lucky get Zim Kwatcha’s as they call their money, reminiscent of the collapse of the Zambian currency 15 to 20 years ago.
December.
Liz accompanied me in the truck, our newly acquired “brand new” Nissan UD 90, complements to our sponsors and donors some who wish to remain anonymous. What a change to travel in aircon luxury after years of sweating it out in the hot sun, dusty and diesel fumes,
“truck stop from hell.” Special thanks to all who gave towards this project.
Going up with us were Annette from the Cape and Tiny’s fiancé, Erna de Klerk, on her first trip to serve the oldies. On this trip we handed a Christmas gift to every person along with their normal hamper. Every home and hostess also received a Lions Christmas cake, or cakes depending on the amount of frail care residents, complements of the Lions Tzaneen. Understandably, there was little Christmas spirit before we arrived but that changed as we dished out the goodies. Hannes followed a week later and had a great hassle free trip.
If you need any further details of certain monthly reports we will get them to you on request.
That’s our activities for the year. We now physically visit the following homes:
Masvingo.
The Pioneer Complex.
The Mucheke old age home.
Here our Angel, Lulu Mc Kenzie distributes to the many outsiders.
Chivhu.
Here Albert and Lennie Kerstein receive from us and the now scattered residents collect from them. The home was closed earlier.
Marondera. New 2008
The Borradaile Trust receive bulk for the kitchens and from time to time some residents get hampers from family or the N.G. church.
Harare.
We currently supply our contacts, the Futter family with bulk tonnage which they distribute at their Discretion. They are involved with The Pension Fund and S.O.A.P.
Mvurwi. New 2008
Here we do the Malvern Trust Cottages and Kitchen.
Chinhoyi. New 2008
Here we do the cottages, Kitchen and a number of outsiders.
We also leave hampers for Karoi and at times Kariba. This new year we want to visit those homes and do personal deliveries.
Kadoma.
We do Westview cottages and a large contingent of outsiders as far a field as Seloux and Eiffel Flats.
Kwe Kwe.
Here we do Lyn Brooke and a lot of outsiders. Mr Ken Connolly is our main contact here.
Redcliff. New 2008.
Hubert Lee Trust is the home there, and we do all the residents as this place is not well looked after at all as far as their food and material goods are concerned.
Gweru.
We do two homes here, Bogies and Huis Vergesig. There is also a growing number of outsiders here looked after by Anna and Attie Scheepers.
Sherugwe.
Here M.U.U.S cottages and a hand full of outsiders get helped by us. This is one of the forgotten homes and the folk need serious help.
Zvishavane.
The home here is also not functioning well and we have Lynn D’Ewes and her hubby John that help spread our hampers around, as it’s not possible with truck and trailer. Also a rather forgotten place.
Esigodini.
Another little home with about 18 cottages and little outside help. They are blessed enough to get fresh fruit and veg from some local farmers.
Bulawayo.
This is our three day stop over as there is so much to do.
We do Coronation Cottages, Edith Duly Home, Queen Mary home, Jacaranda home, Barbara Burrel home for the adult blind, Ralsteen house (Salvation Army) and many outsiders. We also supply S.O.A.P ( Serving old age pensioners), Barkley Block and Verity Ann Ann, a few tons for their distribution.
Truck and trailer breakages for the year.( Unplanned Expenses)
January.
On the trailer we had a wheel bearing failure and the result was the wheel coming off in Harare. We had it Repaired back in Malelane. Minimal cost.
February.
Had a puncture on the trailer and replaced tyre and tube on our return as we carry 2 spares each for the truck and trailer.
March.
Another wheel bearing failure on the trailer resulting in damage to the axle which was replaced with a higher load capacity. The damaged one was repaired for less than R 600:00. The new one cost us R 2275:00 plus transport of R 600:00.
August.
The Dyna’s engine explodes and costs about R40,000:00 to replace and install including a new clutch assembly.
October.
The small trailer unhitches and is badly damage. The damage is covered by insurance resulting in only the excess to be paid About R200:00.
November.
The hitch on the big trailer cracks a second time and we replace it with a new one of R2800:00.
The clutch plate on the Dyna shatters telling us we were robbed when it was replaced with the new engine in August. R12,000 for a new clutch and gearbox had to be paid again
December.
The UD80’s cab burns out rather mysteriously but here too the damage is covered by insurance.
The damage at R122,000
All things being considered, the average single truck and trailer load including fuel, consignment goods, border fees and drivers accommodation, meals and sustenance to be in the region of R 90,000;00 for want of a figure and we did 12 trips, R1,080,000:00 and our break downs R47,285, maintenance a further R15,000:00, making that R62,285:00, which is less than 6% of our operating cost, I think we did very well.
We made many mistakes but we will learn from them and next year we want to see that percentage drop, even with three trucks running.
Once again, to all our faithful sponsors, donors, supporters and the brave helpers who all have a special part in this ministry, be it financial support, moral support, prayer support, working until the early morning hours, packing, labeling, loading, cooking, or going along on the trips, roughing it, sleeping in, under, on top of or next to the truck. Eating many day old “Padkos” off loading, repacking, encouraging the old folk, laughing, crying and I could go on and on but hey, the joy of experiencing your input in whichever way, makes it worth it all. God Bless you all as we pray His best for you for your great passion for this ministry.
Our hosts and helpers and new found friends in Zimbabwe who give selflessly of themselves, we pray the same Blessings for you. Without ALL of YOU we would never be able to do as we are doing.
Our financial administrative documents are currently with our auditors and once this has been completed and set straight, we will present our financial statement in the media so that all can see and be confident to give to the ZPSF without fear of us mismanaging your contributions.
We trust that it will be before the end of February.
Compiled by Pastor Attie Botha. January 2009.
Letter of Invitation
ZANE Tour to Singapore and Australia 2010
Dear Friend of Zimbabwe
ZANE (ZIMBABWE A NATIONAL EMERGENCY), a registered charity in the UK, is embarking on a tour to Australia via Singapore in February/March 2010. The purpose of the tour is twofold: we aim to raise the profile of ZANE in that part of the world and to raise funds. If you are not familiar with the magnificent work done by ZANE over the last eight years the best source of information about its structure and the work it does can be found on http://www.zaneinfo.com/donate.asp
About 3000 Zimbabwean OAP’s (Old Age Pensioners) are helped by various organizations. Some of these people are helped by more than one organization:
Homes in Zimbabwe provides food support for the old age homes and for SOAP in both Harare and Bulawayo;
SOAP Harare and SOAP Bulawayo focus on the delivery of food parcels to private homes;
Senior Citizens Service Bulawayo focuses on medical needs and particularly drugs;
The Pensioners Fund helps cover drugs and emergency medical costs in Harare and outlying districts and also gives financial support to SOAP Bulawayo and Harare
ZANE, the largest charity, focuses on individual rental payments in Old Age Homes as well as rates and utility payments for people living in private homes. It has raised over £5 million since its foundation in 2002 and provided £800,000 to fund its work in 2008/ 2009. It has distributed some 22,000 charitable grants of fuel, medicines, food and financial support to the needy in 2008/ 2009 - up from 7,000 grants the previous year. Between 2005 and 2009 ZANE distributed £1,077,667 on behalf of Services’ Charities to WW2 veterans and their widows in Zimbabwe.
ZANE has lost no money through corruption since it was founded in 2002 and is the only charity operating in Zimbabwe that gives substantial aid to both the white and the black communities. It relies on private donors.
“ZANE does quite outstanding work on behalf of vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe, and we have been proud to support them. Although the new unity government has made some tentative progress in recent months, the pressures bearing on those the organisation supports in both the black and white communities have not eased, indeed in many ways they have intensified.
The work ZANE does through its committed and inspirational team continues to provide
an invaluable lifeline. It has been a privilege to see the skill and care with which the organisation directs its precious resources towards those in the greatest need.”
H.E. Mark Canning
Ambassador, British Embassy
Harare, Zimbabwe
If you are able to attend one of our presentations outlined below please feel welcome to join us to listen and to learn why the present situation is worse than ever for the pensioners. You may contact the person designated to find out details. Please would you also forward this invitation to all friends of Zimbabwe on your mailing list.
Itinerary - ZANE TOUR
Date Location Address Time Contact Person email
February
Singapore:
Saturday 20 To be confirmed 7pm M.Carter carter@zol.co.zw
Perth:
Thursday
25
Moora
Moora Citrus
6pm
Ross Milne
ross@agcorp.com.au
Saturday 27 Hale School Hale Road
Wembley Downs 7pm Sally McCormick sally@carey.wa.edu.au
March
Sydney:
Monday 1 Trust Company Ltd Level 4
35 Clarence Street 6pm Simon Lewis Slewis@trust.com.au
Brisbane:
Friday
5
Brisbane German Club
Opposite the Gabba 5.30pm
Mark Longhurst Mark.Longhurst @infocus.com.au
Sunday
7
Boomerang Golf Course Gold Coast
9am
James King
info@boomerangfarm.com.au
Donations:
For donations in Singapore please contact M.Carter
For Local Australian deposits and depositors your donation is tax deductible.
Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT) details:
Bank BSB (Bank Sort Code): 802397
Bank: Australian Defence Credit Union
A/c Name: RSL Community Care Ltd
A/c Number: 100187431
Reference: ZANE
Thank you for your donation .We will use it to good effect.
Please leave your email address with your donation so that we are able to acknowledge each donor personally.
Tom and Jane Benyon
Michael and Judy Carter
On the contrary Di, I am not discouraged at all and feel really fired up to do something positive from Austrailia. I want to work on this side of the water to raise funds for Les Hunt's organisation and there are a few of her friends over here that are prepared to set up accounts for collection of funds rather than each donor having to pay huge bank charges for every donation. We will set up collection accounts and funnel all the funds on a monthly basis once set up. A few of our friends have had big fund raising functions over the past couple of years, but we really need to get something set up on an ongoing basis. This will be the mission for 2010 and I am excited to be a part of it. Will spread the word when things are established. I will be asking for a small donation of $5.00 per month on a monthly basis and I believe this is affordable to everyone. Those who are better off are welcome to contribute more if they like. In the meantime have a great festive season and spare a thought for those who are doing it tough in Zim.
Lee Anne Mitchell : Two weeks ago Brad Thornton and I raffled some meat and some booze for the oldies, we got amazing support and it didnt take any effort!!! We donated it to Dorothy Duncan and they were extremely greatful! Come on guys its not that hard to put a little effort in. Di tells me 95% of the old folk in homes in zim will spend Christmas there on their own.
Hi Rob
thanks for your comments..
Sadly, Facebook does not endorse charities outside of the USA, so we are unable to ask for donations direct form Facebook. However.. you will see the links posted ALL OVER THIS SITE !!! For HIZ (Homes in Zimbabwe) who make it so easy for you to give some money.
In true Zim style, we have used this site to get food, toiletries, etc to the old fogies in Zim, just through the tenacity and "make a plan" attitude of the average Zimbo out there.
Please dont be discouraged from helping.
Hi Rob
thanks for your comments..
Sadly, Facebook does not endorse charities outside of the USA, so we are unable to ask for donations direct form Facebook. However.. you will see the links posted ALL OVER THIS SITE !!! For HIZ (Homes in Zimbabwe) who make it so easy for you to give some money.
In true Zim style, we have used this site to get food, toiletries, etc to the old fogies in Zim, just through the tenacity and "make a plan" attitude of the average Zimbo out there.
Please dont be discouraged from helping.
Hi to all.........it is good to see causes like this on Facebook and it raises hope that we can do something to help these desperate souls. However, this site only seems to be an awareness campaign (which is fine) and there is no directions as to how people can donate, either once off or ongoing monthly contributions. I would like to invite one of the members of this group, Lesley Hunt, to post some details of her organisation on this site for people to have a look and there are a couple of bank accounts set up for donations. Lesley, her family and a whole host of other selfless people are the people on the ground in Bulawayo caring for the pensioners, dealing with the logistics (purchasing, transport, warehousing, distribution) of feeding programmes. They raise money to finance medical assistance and any other need that the elderly require. They are a very worthwhile cause and you can be assured that the funds are going to where they need to be.
For a round or two drinks at a local pub (or beach bar) you can help the elderly in a country with a worthless currency. Buy one less stocking filler and make a real difference at http://www.hiz.org.uk
I have set up an assistance funding programme and will be help to enable all assoc to spread the help throughot SA and Zim...... please go to Zimbabwe Old Age Pensioners Assistance Fund face book and you will see our mission statement etc. we will try to enable the transportation of goods through various business contacts.
Dear Di, I'm guessing you are probably the lady, mentioned in some of Homes In Zimbabwe's meetings, who has helped to promote our events on facebook. Next week any online donations made to HIZ will be matched pound for pound by the Reed Foundation. I'm trying to spread the word. To donate just go to www.hiz.org.uk and follow the links. Just £2 is enough to feed one elderly person for a day. If you are able to help. Many thanks
Dear All
Our Export Company (Integrity Investments & Projects) are wanting to send goods upto Zimbabwe. But unfortunately we are not able to do it for free, we have cut our costs to the bare minimum. We are based in Johannesburg/South Africa, and we are able to send things like:- Maize meal, Toilet rolls, Medical Supplies, Wax in powder form to make candles, Disposable Nappies, Dried Beans, Flour. Basically anything that is needed we can source and send up via road which is cheaper in the long run. As I said we unfortunately can't do it for free as there are costs involved which we cannot afford to carry on our own as there are only two of us running the company. So we need people who ARE currently able to purchase the goods. If you know of anyone please kindly ask them to contact me or give us their contact details and we will arrange/discuss it with them.
We are also trying our best to help where we can.
God Bless
Doreen & Karen