The Durban University of Technology (DUT) in collaboration with the Gandhi Development Trust (GDT) and the Phoenix Settlement Trust will be conducting community painting as part of this year’s Nelson Mandela Day celebration on Thursday, 18 July 2024.
The first ashram-like Phoenix Settlement was established by Mahatma Gandhi in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Gandhi and his family made their home at the settlement in 1904 until his return to India in 1914. Though Gandhi had left South Africa in 1914 and spent the rest of his life in India, the Phoenix Settlement continued. His son Manilal Gandhi returned to South Africa three years later. He ran the newspaper at the settlement until his timely death.
Interested DUT staff and students who wish to form part of the outreach team are invited to join the much anticipated community initiative that will have two programmes on Mandela Day taking place at the Phoenix Settlement.
Volunteers are requested to help with painting of the walls and the amphitheatre to uplift the Phoenix Settlement, which is not only a National Heritage site but is also an important education and training centre assisting the local community with essential skills development to become self-reliant.
The second programme will be a workshop that aims to invite academics, community members, skilled professionals, and committee members to brainstormideas for the future development of the Phoenix Settlement and its surrounding area.
Speaking further on the Phoenix Settlement was Peace Activist, Ela Gandhi. “As the Settlement celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, the non-profit organisation is looking at a five year planning for the area. In line with this, Phoenix Settlement has identified the following key challenges that need to be addressed. There is a need in developing a clean healthy environment; developing a service to the vulnerable, those with disabilities, children and the elderly. Creating a space for the storage of valuable historic documents and exhibition materials for new displays. Also, creating a beautiful peaceful centre where people would like to visit, contemplate and reflect in order to develop their own ideas and personalities,” she said.
DUT will provide transport to and from the venue. For further enquiries and transport reservation, volunteers can email the Marketing, Public Relations and Events Manager, Vasantha Govender at: govenderv@dut.ac.za
Pictured: Peace Activist, Ela Gandhi.
Thubelihle Dumakude
