Leigh
LEIGH DU PREEZ
Founder & Executive Director
I have N2 in hairdressing but worked in debtors for most of my career. I worked for Tiger Wheel and Tire and a correspondence school Allenby in home study. My husband and I have 5 children and 5 grandchildren. I became aware of abject poverty when we ourselves struggled at one point. Our church was amazing and that is where I learned that there were so many families who suffer. It became our mission to assist and together with my husband Marius we started SAFRP. The economic crisis in our country is affecting everyone regardless of race and it is our duty to care for those who have fallen under the poverty label. Our SAFRP Farm Project is our pride and joy.
My responsibilities are to make sure that everyone has a clean, safe place to live with good nutritious food. I give classes for the woman’s group and teach them things like making jam, baking our own bread daily, sewing, catering and art works as well as self-worth.Â
We also work with the police and social services with gender-based violence victims. I assist in getting their protection orders and make sure that every child is registered, immunisations are up to date and that they are in school. I make sure that everyone has an ID document, and we take them to their doctors, clinic appointments. The skills they learn will enable them to make money from home. Work is not always obtainable and they are learning to do for themselves. Self-improvement is the key to success. I oversee all aspects of our Farm life and together as a united team our Farm Project is a success. We get by with what we have, and God has continued to bless this project. We have a Church where we worship and praise together. Our project is completely off grid and we cook on gas. When there is no gas, we cook on fire. We live a simple life, a back-to-basics life but there is so much love, safety and respect.