The Natural Building Collective and Uthando (Love) SA team up for sustainable development projects
Cape Town, Tuesday, 05 February, 2025
In a powerful demonstration of the transformative potential of sustainable development, The Natural Building Collective, in partnership with Uthando South Africa, Heart of Cape Town, and our valued donors and benefactors, both in South Africa and all around the world, is driving innovative projects that address pressing social challenges.
Together, they are undertaking transformative building projects that combine innovative, eco-friendly practices with a deep commitment to community upliftment.
This collaboration focuses on addressing urgent needs in education, early childhood development, food security, employment creation and economic empowerment while inspiring sustainable solutions to urban poverty.
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Ulwazi “Knowledge” Educare Centre in Delft, completed in July 2022
Completed in July 2022, the Ulwazi “Knowledge” Educare Centre in Delft was the first of these joint undertakings and exemplifies the impact of visionary thinking and sustainable construction practices. Built primarily with recycled materials and tyres, this innovative structure now provides high-quality early childhood education in a community that has long faced the challenges of insufficient infrastructure.
“This centre not only stands as a beacon of hope, but shows what can be achieved through inspiration and innovation,” said James Fernie, founder of Uthando SA.
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Goal50 ECD Centre: Breaking the cycle of poverty in Heideveld
The construction of the Goal50 ECD Centre in Heideveld, a Montessori-based early childhood development hub, is currently underway. The 750sqm facility will serve up to 100 local children and includes four spacious classrooms, two outdoor play areas with astro-turf and natural landscaping, as well as a residential unit for the school principal.
The centre will be built using 5,000 rammed-earth tyres, cob, eco-bricks and natural plasters. Beyond the structure itself, the project focuses on skills development, with local community members employed during the construction process.
In South Africa, over 3 million children lack access to proper early childhood development. This has far-reaching consequences, perpetuating cycles of poverty. “By creating a stimulating and sustainable learning environment, we are giving children a chance to thrive,” said Peter McIntosh, of The Natural Building Collective.
The Goal50 Centre provides yet another example of a sustainable model for ECD centres, integrating natural materials with innovative design while addressing the critical need for early education in a quality environment.
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Moya We Khaya Packshed: Supporting food security in Khayelitsha
Natural Building Collective architecht, Emma McGregor’s impression of the proposed Moya We Khaya “Spirit of Home” Packshed
The proposed Moya We Khaya “Spirit of Home” Packshed in Khayelitsha, which is in design development phase, will serve as an agri-hub and much more for micro-farmers, Moya We Khaya, along with partners Abalimi and Harvest of Hope, enabling them to distribute fresh
produce to feeding schemes such as Ladles of Love. 80% of the vegetables purchased from Harvest of Hope by Ladles of Love is feeding more than 33 000 children a day. The space will also empower seniors in the community by providing a platform for fair trade and creative income-generation initiatives.
“This packshed goes beyond addressing food security; it embodies resilience, empowerment and a brighter future for the Khayelitsha community,” said Fernie. The agri-hub constructed out of tyres will be a beacon of hope and inspiration in Khayelitsha.
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Creating a legacy of sustainable development
These projects represent a commitment to addressing systemic challenges with innovative, community-centered solutions. From early childhood education to urban farming, these partnerships align with Uthando SA’s mission to empower vulnerable communities while
advancing sustainable practices.
“With these partnerships, we are creating tangible change in communities where it’s most needed,” said Fernie. “These projects highlight the critical role of sustainable building in addressing urban poverty, food insecurity and educational inequities.”
These groundbreaking initiatives are proof that collaboration between businesses, non-profits, and communities can create lasting change.
We have identified several sites round Cape Town, including communities like Hanover Park, where there is not a single drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. An incredible initiative would be to build a rehabilitation centre for a community like Hanover Park, which is ravaged by social challenges such as gangsterism and drugs, both of which contribute to crime.
Constructing a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre out of tires would be an inspiring and unique story, providing hope, innovation, and transformation for a community in need. To learn more about how you can support these projects or contribute to future sustainable building efforts
Visit:
- Uthando SA
- Heart of Cape Town
- Natural Building Collective
- Moya We Khaya
- Abalimi Bezekhaya
- Harvest of Hope
