MARIANNRIDGE
Partners: Joy Chapel Ministries/ MCC / Mariannridge Primary and High Schools
Mariannridge was developed in 1976 when ‘coloured’ families were displaced from Pinetown, Motala Farm, Claremont, Thornwood, Cator Manor, Umlaas and other areas during apartheid. Initially, 600 units consisting of flats and semi-detached was build with no infrastructure, transport system, schools and shops. Over the years ownership and RDP houses were built and today Mariannridge has a swimming pool, taxi rank, clinic, fire station, police station, library and a few crèches.
In 2007 Transformation Mariannridge were formed under the guidance of Ps Jake Pieterse and others with the backing of His Church that is situated in the Pinetown area. The intention was to bring about social transformation through sport, arts, drama, counselling, makeovers and a soup kitchen. The idea was for members of this community to take pride in what belongs to them.
CAST has now taken over the role of Transformation Mariannridge and, in partnership with Joy Chapel Ministries, are now in a joint venture to see social transformation triumph. Joy Chapel is led by Ps Wayne Thring who mixes faith and politics on a daily basis and is passionate to see Biblical principles influence every sector of South Africa. JCM has a congregation of +-150 people who form part of the South African Evangelistic Mission, going on local and national mission trips.
Mariannridge has a huge need for housing to the extent that it has become a norm for three generations to live in one flat. Unemployment, alcohol, drugs (especially whoonga) is creating hopelessness in a community who once thrived on sports.
Since 2014, CAST has been working closely with (MCC) Mariannridge Co-ordinating Committee who run different programmes to enhance social health in this area.
In 2016, CAST partnered with Marianridge Primary School to implement the Early Literacy programme. Currently, 61 learners are benefitting from the programme as well as 61 families overall who receive assistance from CAST’s Relief Services.