Engrave Magazine Issue 1

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We had the privilege of sitting down with the beautiful soul as he explains his heartbeat in his work for the community.

Q

: Kindly tell us what Point Africa is all about and where it all began

Kyle: “Wow! Point Africa, (breathe in) There are so many ways to answer this question, however, we’ll keep to the three main factors which are – Social Wellness, Story Based Photography and PR. I have always had this power (if I can call it that) where I’d connect with a complete stranger by just a simple conversation. Feel what they feel, like I was the one with their situation. At that point, I’ve always wanted to assist where I can with regards to charity work and helping the community.

The story based photography was put in place as part of the organisation based on my passion for capturing meaningful images that gives you a larger story than the subject portrayed.

Where I’m from (Mitchells Plain), the resources for youth who have the skills and talents to venture out into the creative world are next to nothing. Point Africa also creates a platform for these up and coming creatives just to give them a bit of a push into the scene they intend getting involved in.”

Q

: As the founder of Point Africa, what fuelled you or in other words, what was your motivation to start the NGO? Why did you choose Cape Flats specifically?

Kyle: “I’ve always told myself, if I’m going to do something like this, I need to start at home.

Growing up into the lack of resources in the Cape Flats and the stigma behind it, my people from these hoods aren’t going nowhere – I wanted to change the game to better the lives of my people.”

Q

: What are some of the challenges you are faced with running an NGO in the Cape Flats?

Kyle: “Being an Unfunded Organisation, getting to do what we want to do in and around our community was very difficult. Also, the members involved within the organization are also running their 9-5’s, and that makes it difficult to manage our time.

The reason why I bring up the 9-5’s as a reason even though it’s not that relevant to the question, this is not limited to just being a NGO founder but also as a creative - its challenging to solely commit to one thing be it the creative side or security (being 9-5 work) We all want to be where our passion is, yet you need to be where funds are secure as this is what feeds your passion and ability to provide.”

: Do you feel like there is a lack of support Q when it comes to outreach on the Cape Flats, if yes, please explain?

Kyle: “There is definitely a lack of support. Yes, there are many people who encourage us and thank us for what we’re doing, there are also people who really want to assist us with what we’re doing, however, a big part of those people won’t necessarily come out of their comfort zone to assist – which I won’t blame them as this might be something they’re not comfortable with doing especially in the areas that we work in.”

Q

: What do you think lacks in the areas that you serve?

Kyle: “Firstly, resources to actually help the community, also people who care enough to do something good for their community. It’s like we’re given up on so many things in life which I can understand because of all the times we’re been screwed over by the next person.” : Tell us about the projects Point Africa is currently busy with.

Q

Kyle: Point Africa is currently running our biggest annual community service campaign “Heart of Winter” Where we collect blankets, hygiene hampers, nonperishable food items and more.

We also invite those who want to help or get involved in our outreach programs.” : The Cape flats are known for its violence; do you find it challenging to work in the area knowing that you might potentially be harmed or robbed?

Q

Kyle: “Firstly, you need to be aware of your surroundings and which areas you end up going into What I have noticed is, people are quite reluctant to do anything harmful to us when they see what we’re doing, as we’re doing something good not only for them but for their community as well.”

What do you find most fulfilling about Q:outreach?

Kyle: “It’s that moment when someone can come up to you and mention how they haven’t eaten for a few days and felt like they were on the verge of letting go, but because of what we do – we restored that hope back into them. Which honestly to me is heart-warming and is the reason we do this. It is all about making that impact in their lives and forming a personal, connection with them.”

Kyle’s heart will always lie within the community and his heart beat has echoed hope in the lives of many less fortunate people.

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STAYING HYDRATED Most of us don’t understand the overall importance of water in terms of our health.

Our bodies are estimated to consist of 6070% of water and needs water to function accordingly. Water is a vital part of processes, for e.g. it transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste and protects organs and joints. When your body lacks water, and enters a mild dehydration phase because of the lack of water it must cut down on certain functions to make the current supply go all around. This can be extremely hazardous to your health.

Your body requires a minimum amount of 8 glasses of water per day. Try to drink at least 2-3 glasses of water between meals.

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Model: Shanen Cacey-Lee Buys Dean Cupido

Model: Laverne HippKhoi Maart Yumna Scheepers

Model: Patty Monroe Peter Abrahams

Model: Nicole Jacobs Robyn Willis Photography

I am a woman I am me I am special Can I help you please?

I am delicate I am tender Yet my all I have to surrender I am soft I am sweet Yet strong when challenges I meet No matter what No matter how It’s simple I just don’t bow Pain will have to go Struggles too Cause you see me I don’t entertain it I don’t explain it I simply face it Tough I’ve been Hard I’ve overcome Don’t tell me about struggles Because some things just don’t disappear with a juggle You tell me about hardship You tell me about pain Hell yeah I have something I need to explain You see the road I’ve travelled It has some folks baffled

But you see me I am strong because I am a woman I am me I am special Can I help you please?

I am tender Yet the cement in my home I am meek Yet the helper to my mate I am at ease Yet not at rest in my soul Because I am a woman I am me I am special can I help you please Poem by: Crystal Rynhardt “Cape Town”

Engrave Magazine: here are you originally from and what was life like growing up?

“I am originally from Blackheath. Life growing up was fun, you would always find me on the road Playing which ever recent sport was on TV, (haha.) If it was the cricket world cup we would be busy playing cricket, if it was the Olympics, guess what? we would be out there, on the streets, competing. I basically grew up playing with the boys in the road, I loved the outdoors, I remember how much I would love climbing a tree and playing hide and seek. Life was simple and I loved that.

High school was ‘leka’ but tough, stereotypical to say the least. We grew up in gangsterism and crime but somehow, it definitely made me tougher and the friends I made in primary and high school taught me how to have fun regardless of our circumstances, they taught me how to stand my ground and defined loyalty to me.”

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n your own experience, does where you come from determine what you will become in the future?

(Coughs in disagreement) “Definitely not. You decide what you want to do with your life. I could’ve easily chosen the other side of life and believe me, I was faced with it but because my circumstances were hectic, that forced me into the path I had to choose. I am proof that you can be anything you want to be with challenging work and perseverance.”

W

hat pivotal moment in your life has inspired you to become the person you are today?

“I’ve gone through a terrible experience in life where I was put down a lot and that made me believe I would not make it. Somehow God always sent me the right people who always motivated me and gave me that amount of hope because if not, then I would have believed the negative things I thought I might as well become. I think the day I got my own place was the day a lot of things changed.

It was like everything was renewed. It gave me a sense of responsibility. After I took on a permanent role in my work, I decided to dance full time and be a presenter, fill time. Unfortunately, within the first year I hit rock bottom and was in a budgetary crisis, which made me question myself, and thought I made a big mistake. I guess my survival instinct kicked in, I decided in that moment of weakness.

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Sarah Keogh and Kim Julie

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I wanted to work on myself. I started working toward faith and go towards the directions of my dreams. Somehow, through God it all worked out. I am still a work in progress. The inspiration came from my past it came from being told you won’t make it. Your worthless... ‘blah blah blah’... it also came from people, loved ones and people I thought were my friends that betrayed me and took advantage of my kindness and even kicked me while I was down. As crazy as it sounds all that junk inspired me. I didn’t want to be that, I wanted to be the change I wanted to see in this world. I feel like, we live in a world with people who are hurt and because they are hurt and sad, they feel compelled to hurt others, so their pain can be felt by everyone. This vicious cycle must stop. I got that advice from someone older than me once and I took it to heart. So that’s basically it, all the junk really made me want to be a better version of myself.”

D

uring your adolescent years, who was your role model and what about this person inspired you?

‘Mmm’... “I always make fun of how much Oprah Winfrey loves me but I always watched her shows and I defiantly respected her for being able to do her own thing confidently. My father was also a role model because he always worked so hard yet he never complained. He always had this joy within himself, no matter how tough the situation, he always had a smile, and that to me, was magical.”

“The inspiration came from my past it came from being told you won’t make it.”

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Sarah Keogh and Kim Julie

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