Elandsbaai

Elandsbaai or (Elands Bay in English) is a small seaside town which is a paradise for surfers and birdwatchers, about 200km north of Cape Town on the R27. The variety of different soil types ensures beautiful flora during spring when the flowers change the area dramatically.

It has a population of about 3 000 people, of which 80% are unemployed and 20% are farm workers. The main sources of income are seasonal work on the surrounding farms and the fishing industry, which is a challenge as most of the fish factories have closed down. Some community members need to travel to Lamberts Bay to work at the potato factory.

The economic situation in the community is characterized by unemployment as the potatoe factories are not producing as much produce as in the past.  Grants applications to Social Services are increasing as well the rate by which community members live on credit. A debt cycle is starting to develop as more people apply for grants but these grants are used to pay of debt and in the process become a cycle of living more and more on credit. Alcohol abuse is increasing which goes hand in hand with the economic turmoil.

Food in Elandsbaai is expensive and people struggle in the off work season to put food on the table. This is especially worrying to those living with HIV on medication and children in the community.

There are 6 home based carers in town who treat and look after people mainly affected by HIV and TB. The main health challenges reside around alcohol misuse, TIK (cheap version of methamphetamine) as well as illnesses as a result of a poor diet such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

A campaign against drug abuse was launched by the community in partnership with the Advice Office after two young people died apparently because of TIK abuse. The community united against the use and distribution within their community.

In order to face the challenge of mass unemployment, the Advice Office established a program in which 15 community members are enrolled in a learnership with I&J Fisheries, whereby they receive Business training in new ventures. The Advice Office furthermore assisted local fishermen to obtain 3 containers which will enable them to freeze their fish for the period between catching and selling.

The Advice Office mainly focusses on three Objectives:

• Fundraising for their own organisation
• Farm worker’s rights in order for farm workers to be aware of and be able to act on their basic human rights
• Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transexual & Intersexed person’s rights by doing awareness programs.

The Elandsbaai Advice Office is still in its emerging phase and stands to benefit greatly from Scat’s support and any other partnership they may enter in to. 

Elandsbaai Community Development Organisation (ECDO)
10 Hoof Street
P.O. Box 204
ELANDSBAAI
8110
Fax: 022 972 1621
NPO: 064-662
Contact: Patrick Adonis
Email: patrickadonis@ovi.com