Tracking the News

By Nthambeleni Gabara

Johannesburg - Everyone can make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate in life, says Malaak Compton-Rock, wife of American actor and comedian Chris Rock, who is currently in South Africa.

The founder of the Angel Rock Project is here to bring support to the community of Diepsloot and the residents of Soweto in the form of food parcels and volunteer work.

“Everyone can make a difference in the lives of our less fortunate and impoverished communities. We have come to help improve the lives of those South Africans who are still living below the poverty line.

“We strongly believe that poverty is not inevitable. We believe it is a social injustice which can be tackled,” she told BuaNews.

The American has brought a team of young people over to South Africa from Brooklyn, New York to distribute food parcels and clothing to impoverished households and to do volunteer work for the elderly and sick in Soweto and Diepsloot.

The team distributed food parcels and clothing for children and adults who come from needy families in Kliptown, Soweto on Tuesday. They were joined by members of the local non-profit organisation, Hope Worldwide.

The team, which arrived in the country on Saturday, will be here for two weeks.

The former United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) employee said she brought the American youngsters to South Africa to help them develop a passion to help the poor and to change their perception that they are not merely a burden on society.

In an exclusive interview with BuaNews, Ms Compton-Rock said when she visited the country three years ago she decided to return and make a difference in the lives of the poor.

“Irrespective of the circumstances and challenges, South Africans have a strong sense of pride for their country and a passion for their communities. I am doing all this because I like this country,” she said.

Flora Gama, 67, of Kliptown smiled from ear to ear when the crew arrived with the food parcels as well as toys and clothing for her grandchildren.

“I am happy. I never thought I would receive this help. God must bless you good people. You must also help other poor families,” she told the volunteers.

Gogo Gama lives with her daughter, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as they are struggling to find employment and rely on monthly pension grant.

Her granddaughter, Jessica Gama, 25, said the family sometimes had to go to bed with empty stomachs as there was not enough food. “I do not have enough words to thank the Angel Rock Project,” she said.

Jessica matriculated last year but due to financial constraints she is unable to further her studies.

The American youth told BuaNews they had been touched by what they had witnessed in South African.

Peter Croffie, 25, said: “I have been inspired by those poor people who always strive to improve their lives and their country irrespective of the challenging environment they find themselves in.

“These people have inspired me because they seem to have a strong vision for their families, so as a youth, being part of this project I realised that our contribution is already making an impact,” he said.

Jonathan Severe, 14, who is the youngest in the group, said he never imagined that there were people who could go to bed with empty stomachs. “I am grateful to be part of this team which is making a difference in communities,” he said.

Samantha Johnson, 21, said volunteering was something that she enjoyed.

The US youth will do volunteer work for the next two weeks in schools, community centres, gardens and clinics, helping orphaned and vulnerable children as well as the elderly at their respective homes.

The poverty alleviation programme dubbed “Journey for Change” is a partnership between the Salvation Army, Angel Rock Project and Hope Worldwide.

The Rock family first visited South Africa on an official UNICEF visit in December 2005 and then they made a second visit in December 2006.

They decided to make a change and began their support by providing funds for educational assistance and sending monthly in-kind donations of new and used goods for families, including school supplies, baby supplies, toys, personal hygiene products, and clothing that are distributed throughout the community to the neediest families.

Today the Angel Rock Project hopes to change the quality of life for people living specifically in Diepsloot and Soweto by helping people open their own businesses through a micro-credit income-generating program. - BuaNews