Our Address Shelter run by Native Roots NPO

26/08/2026

This is Captain Mzayiya, a 50-year-old police officer from the Western Cape Provincial Tactical Response Team who has been shot and kil while doing police work in Knysna. He was part of the team investigating the murder of former Knysna mayor and councillor Aubrey Tsengwa, as well as two other recent shootings. Early this morning, Mzayiya and other officers were following information about illegal guns at Sewende Laan informal settlement when a shootout happened. Rest In Peace Captain.

24/08/2026

We received the keys to this building from Bitou Municipality on August 15, 2019 and was told a truck will pick us up on August 16, 2019 from the Piesang Valley Hall to move us to Our Marine Way address.

Its been 7 years of growth from the tiniest of a seed planted on July 21st, 2019

The legend that was started that homeless people illegally occupied this building was planted, and like a w**d it refuse to die. Not even Roundup (photograpic evidence) can kill that very poisonous w**d that has costed funders to turn their attention away from us.

But God said, do not be dismayed, they were never supposed to be a part of your story. And that gave us the encouragement to continue despite sometimes only having food for two days left in our cupboards.

We are extremely grateful for all the beautiful lessons and our humble beginnings on matresses on the floor.

May God bless each one of you that has been such a blessing to us.

23/08/2026

23 July up to 16 August 2019... Our Address was at the Piesang Valley Hall.

Thank you so so so very much for the beautiful beginnings of a journey that was never planned.

We are eternally grateful for all the love and care.

What a beautiful journey. With layers of joy, laughter and pain, growth, worry, deep concern, tears, lots of tears, sometimes alone, sometimes with someone because their stories cannot be heard without the tears.

During week 2 Ive manage to trace I's mom in an oldage home.

I was involved in a car accident with both his parents. His father passed on and his mom was placed in a facility as she has lost the use of her legs.

I was placed in foster care with a wonderful family. His foster parents took very good care of him. His new Dad lost his seasonal job and they moved to Plett after he secured a job in Plett.
They were happy until the parents split up. He was 12 when his new mom packed and moved back to the small town of origin in the Western Cape

I stayed with his new Mom, but in his own words, "I missed Plett because it was the last place where I felt we were very happy as a family, so I hitchhiked@ back and ended up on the street. I also miss my real mom, but havent seen her. I was told she is in a place where she is taken caree of. I last saw her on a christmas when i was young"

The raw pain of loss was understood by me... who lost my own granma when I was eight. She was a crucial anchor in my life. So my little rescuer went in search of I's Mom.

And found her the day after her bday.

My whole day waiting for I to return was a mix of excitement and questioning if I should first get him prepared by a counsellor for what I knew will be a very emotional telephonic reunion. No guesses as what won.

After dinner I called him aside. The words forced its way throught my throat... "It was your Mom's bday yesterday. And all she prayed for was to see you again. He was in absolute shock... and the biggest, fattest tears just fell. Straight from his little body onto the stoep of Piesang Valley Hall. Mine followed

After what felt like forever.... "You may call your Mom when you are ready. The staff at the facility gave me a cell number that she will be able to use for the call. Take some time to think and tell me how you feel. You dont have to do anything with this news until you are ready.

He asked to call. And we did... and the staff on duty answered on what felt like a second...

It was beautiful and kind and probable one of my biggest lessons learnt.

I left the shelter. He went to visit her some time later. And she passed away having her bday wish come true.

Everytime I see him I feel this very big sadness rise. Its true that we will love people when we know their story.

May Mrs A's soul rest in perfect peace.

10/08/2026

Plse consider buying a few Keurbooms for planting at the Taxi Rank and or your home or the Signal Hill Park run by Ronel le Roux

06/08/2026

30/07/2026

RIP Humphrey Meraki.

24/07/2026

this was the backyard we've moved to.

That was our only broom for inside and out. Vroutjie and Flippie started sweeping.
Today we understand not having. And We vow to continue regifting all donated goods we don't need.
We believe that we will always have enough as long as we understand God gave us two hands. One to give and one to receive

23/07/2026

7 years today. Let us tell you about the Grace of God.
Our monthly cash/ food donations has never gone above R5000.00 a month. BUT everytime we needed an injection, or weve prayed for a treat or a washing machine, or a tumbledryer or paint... or just a gift for people in much bigger need, an angle appeared just to catch us.

Lock down was bad... but Gods Grace was sufficient.

Weve achieved alot because we are committed to live "The Spirit of Enough"

Thank you Lord for all the beautiful angels on earth

19/07/2026

With Ice Palazzo – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

19/07/2026

Friday night was marked by a lack of sleep. We visited a 3x3 home with two adults and four children, led by a young woman who had lost her mother. The household's living conditions were extremely challenging, with no kitchen, forcing them to cook outside in the rain or sunshine, a truly shocking sight in Plettenberg Bay. Two mothers from the community reached out for help on behalf of the children. Gerrie Van Der Walt was informed, and we took immediate action, providing essential items such as 2.5 roof sheets, four scaffolding planks for a cooking area, beds, mattresses, pots, and pans, a couch, and more. We also responded to a fire that destroyed eight shacks in Kwanokuthula, one of which had two young children. We provided one of our bunk beds, a set of Coricraft couches, and more. We appreciate the exceptional efforts of Shelter Volunteers Hein and Sibu. Other team members spent time with the Queen of Keep Plett Clean, who showed her appreciation for their hard work. We thank Plettenberg Bay for supporting the Dignity Hub based at Native Roots Shelter. Gerrie and the team are working tirelessly to make a meaningful impact on as many lives as possible. We also welcome Japan Jameson back from Groote Schuur Hospital, who is now assisting with pickups. Gerrie Van Der Walt The Dignity Fund