Words by Damian Wrigley
Pearl Valley Club General Manager
12 February 2021 | While Dean Meyer was the captain in 2019, the Captain’s Charity chose the Mbekweni United Methodist Church under the leadership of our own Siki Sondlo. The objective was to raise funds and build a church hall that could be used for various purposes by the congregation.
The decision was made to hold off on construction at the church until we had raised more funds, and this was done at the 2020 Captain’s Charity Day. As we were about to start building, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and we went into a hard lockdown. This resulted in a further six-month delay. Nonetheless, we managed to get going with the project in the third quarter of 2020. Under the leadership of Rodger Carter, CEO of RICTS Holdings, a professional and enthusiastic construction team commenced with the project. As many of you know, Rodger is a resident and member of Pearl Valley.
I am delighted to share with you all, that in the last two weeks, Dean Meyer was able to hand over the first phase of the completed work. The very generous costing of RICTS Holdings helped to exceed our target – a 60m2 hall and a new ablution block has
been completed and handed over.
We will shortly be starting the final phase of work, which will enhance the security of the site and attend to necessary repairs to the existing structures. A proper opening will be held when this is done and when gatherings are again permitted.
Once again, I must thank all our Pearl Valley members for their very support – without you this never would have been possible. Together we have built something that will be a lasting legacy in Mbekweni and something we can all be proud of. Once again, thanks to RICTS and the Val de Vie Foundation for their administrative support.
The funding raised over these two years was split 50/50 between the above project and the Imbali Trust under Jeanne Bloch’s leadership. The Imbali Trust supports a school project in the Pniel area. Jeanne will be giving her feedback in the coming weeks.
Words from RICTS, CEO, Rodger Carter
As RICTS Holdings (Pty) Ltd, what a privilege for us to have been involved with the Mbekweni United Methodist Church program. Even though 90% of our core work is affected in rural and underprivileged areas, this project was closer to home, no pun intended.
Having participated in the Captain’s Charity Event and hearing our former Captain Dean Meyer’s heart and vision, we felt prompted to join in wanting to make a difference in the surrounding areas and those nearby.
Furthermore, our vision is to be an industry leader and pioneering innovative technology so that future generations will harvest the fruits of our labour. This has been magnified through our involvement in this program. We look forward to continuing to play our part in uplifting communities like this and many others into the foreseeable future.
