Spirit Community Foundation Stories

In July, we managed to improve three of our vendors’ homes. One of the vendors who benefited from the Home Improvement project was Athwell Sikota, who sells the Big Issue magazine in Claremont. The zinc plate home that he lived in was beyond repair and the winter weather made it even worse for him to stay there. The roof had leaks, the planks were worn out and the corrugated iron sheets were rusty. Fortunately, Athwell’s neighbour from Marikana was selling a home, and with the help of Big Issue and Spirit Community Foundation Home Improvement project, was able acquire this instead. Athwell secured an agreement of sale through a police affidavit which his seller also signed. Athwell is very happy with his new home, particularly with burglar bars offering him better security. Best of all, this is his own place, and he will no longer be renting from anyone.