Shoprite transforms Hagar Home for abused women and children

Aug 7, 2017

Hagar Home, a safe house for abused women and children in Fisantekraal, Durbanville outside Cape Town.

Gertruida Maartens from Fisantekraal, Durbanville, has been living in a container for the past five years. This selfless woman has been using her RDP house to run Hagar Home, a safe house for abused women and children.

With a leaking roof, concrete floors and holes in the walls, Hagar Home was in dire need of repair.

To honour Gertruida and the incredible work she does, the Shoprite Group partnered with New Kidz and carried out some much-needed renovations at Hagar Home during the last week of July 2017.

The children's room at Hagar Home before the renovations.

After the renovations. The children from Hagar Home can have a safe and happy environment.

“Living in a container wasn’t a hassle for me because I love what I do. I love helping my community - everyone calls me Ouma. However, thanks to the renovations, it’s so much easier to keep my women and children safe.”

- Gertruida Maartens

Gertruida keeps everyone laughing. From left to right: Awonke Mbanga (Shoprite), Kelly Atherton (Shoprite), Lynne Haefele (New Kidz), Gertruida Maartens (Hagar Home), Stacey Quinton (New Kidz) and Tania Muller (Shoprite).

Once a week at her local community centre, Gertruida also teaches women to sew. Shoprite surprised Gertruida by donating new sewing machines and material. “It’s a funny story. I left school when I was in grade 6 because I couldn’t pass remedial work. Now many years later, I’m actually teaching others this skill so they can create a better future for themselves,” Gertruida explained.

As a business with heart, Shoprite is committed to partnering with remarkable women like Gertruida who act for change in their local communities.

“I work with the women and children because I understand them. I’m grateful to now be in a position where I can make a difference,” Gertruida concluded.

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