Every day, members of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District’s (CCID) Social Development department pour their hearts and souls into their work engaging with the Central City’s most vulnerable. We spoke to them to find out what keeps them going despite the challenges they face.
Here’s what they had to say in the special winter City Views supplement, called The Tough Times.
Mark Williams: Field Worker
“Having been a field worker for many years and having been involved in community-based youth development work, I can say, for me, it’s all about making a difference even if I just manage to help that one person.”
Contact Mark: 082 262 0112 | mark@capetownccid.org
Shanien Stemmett: Field Worker
“This work chose me; it’s about helping people and it is fulfilling to know that our efforts, no matter how small, are never in vain. Knowing this is inspiring and gives me the strength to continue giving support to those who need it most.”
Contact Shanien: 072 561 9073 | shanien@capetownccid.org
Joseph “Joe” Maganga: Social worker
“What keeps me going is the need that’s out there among our homeless community; the numbers are rising and most of the clients I interact with want help and to move off the streets. Yes, the challenges are there, but it is a motivator when someone keeps coming back for help; it makes you hopeful.”
Contact Joe: 082 928 3862 | joseph@capetownccid.org
Headman Siralarala: Field Worker
“With this type of work, you learn that you must take it one day at a time; just like our clients. So, I’d say the small victories − like when a client gets rehabilitated or when you manage to reunite them with their family – that keeps me going.”
Contact Headman: 082 262 0113 | headman@capetownccid.org
You can find out more here about the CCID’s Social Development department which engages with the Central City’s most vulnerable individuals and forms partnerships that will alleviate the CBD’s own challenges.
Image by Anita van Zyl
CCID Social Development Team (LtR): Shanien Stemmett (Field Worker), Joseph “Joe” Maganga (Social Worker), Pat Eddy (Manager of CCID Social Development), Mark Williams (Field Worker) and Headman Siralarala (Field Worker).