Masiphakameni (Humansdorp)

Masiphakameni is isiXhosa for “Let’s stand up”, an appropriate name for a Local Development Agency (LDA) that has taken a stand against injustice and ill health.

This LDA is based in the Eastern Cape community of Humansdorp, about 80km west of Port Elizabeth. Most of the very poor in Humansdorp are farm and factory workers employed in the local dairy industry, or as domestic workers.

Pumeza Sibengile, Coordinator of Masiphakameni, said one of the biggest challenges facing the community was HIV and AIDS. 

“The Department of Social Development has given us money for our work with people living with HIV and AIDS and awareness programmes,” but it is not ongoing, she said.

Scat also makes a quarterly donation towards the LDA alongside the Kouga Municipality, which makes an annual contribution.

The biggest role played by this LDA is the supervision and support of 34 volunteers assisting with the home-based care of people with AIDS in the community.

It also runs a successful labour advice office assisting impoverished workers fighting unfair dismissals, farm evictions, or simply needing advice.

“We have excellent relationships with the CCMA, local Department of Labour, Black Sash, and the Rhodes Legal Aid Clinic who all assist us with the resolution of cases,” said Sibengile.

A prison programme, where LDA representatives visit those behind bars, encourages inmates to take responsibility for their lives. One of the programme’s initiatives is a choir.

LDA youth workers visit local schools to educate teenagers about the risk of taking drugs.

“We face many challenges,” says Sibengile, “our office space, which is in the Kouga Municipal building, is compromised by political changes. Ideally we would like our own permanent base.”

The LDA also struggles with transport and regularly relies on the South African Police Services or sympathetic farmers to enable them to visit the sick or those needing legal help.

“There is so much we can do for our community and we plan to hold a workshop with all stakeholders and the municipality to look at our mission statement to work out how we can make the biggest impact,” she said.

Masiphakameni Advice Office
394 Mjekula Street, Kwanomzamo
P.O. Box 1079
HUMANSDORP, 6300
Tel/Fax: 042 291 2048
Email: masiphakameni@telkomsa.net
NPO: 044-360
Contact: Phumeza Sibengile