Liz van Niekerk tells the story of e’Pap at PLETTENBERG BAY

On the occasion of e’Pap Knysna’s 20^th anniversary, I thought it fitting to find out when and how the Plettenberg Bay branch began. In 2006, the Knysna branch was expanding beyond their capabilities – the number of children in the Bitou area was increasing, and eventually, in late 2007, a small branch of e’Pap was formed in Plettenberg Bay. It was run by a group of volunteers, the first of these were Karen Spurrier and Caren Lithgow. Robyn Bath took over in 2008 and Nancy Stratten, Sue Locke, Pauline Coubrough, Ann Holmes, Yvette Wilken and Brenda Wall also became involved. Masizame, Siyakhula and Bongolethu were some of the first recipients of e’Pap in the Plett area. There were about 20 creches at this stage. Robyn moved to Cape Town in about 2012 and she handed the project over to St Thomas Methodist Church. Dawn and Brian van der Walt were given the task of running the programme. Some volunteers in these early days were Dawn and Mike Pearce, Kathy van Staden, Dee Roberts, Sharon Fleisher, Marie Kitcher and Gail Callie.

The e’Pap Plett project has grown, and we now have 16 volunteers, who visit the 26 creches, covering the whole Bitou area, from Kranshoek, Kwanokuthula, New Horizons, Pinetrees, Qolweni, Bossiesgif, Wittedrif to the Crags. There are approximately 1500 children fed every weekday at these creches.

We are so grateful to our ‘Parents’, the Knysna e’Pap organisation for their ongoing support, both financial, and practical. Long may we continue!

Congratulations Shelley and Peter Godsell and Knysna e’Pap on 20 years of service to your community. What a wonderful achievement! You are an inspiration to us all.

Liz van Niekerk