This is the story of a special kind of superwoman’s determination and passion to make genuine change in her community against all odds. Born with a heart too big for one family, this lady made an entire community her kin. This is the story of Mickey Winefred Linda.
Known fondly in circles as “Nompilo”, which means ”Mother of Health” in zulu, this remarkable womans journey of service began some 30 years ago, when Mickey left her home town Transkei, to move to the Eastern Cape.
She became a live-in domestic worker, and on weekends she would visit her children who lived with relatives in Khayelitsha.
More about The Angel of Khayelistha
For 15 years Mickey carried out her mundane duties, always aware that she was not where she should be. Her heart belonged to the people. Her calling was to serve and care for them, and she would not rest until she had achieved this.
In her early 40’s she found work in Khayelistha at a children’s creche. Here she was able to learn about nutrition and first aid and quickly won the hearts of her community, earning the name “Nompilo”.
Mickey was in her element, caring for the young and elderly alike. Tending to the sick, and feeding the poor, she contributed her grant money faithfully and Yiza Ekhaya Soup Kitchen was born.
Mickey Now…
Mickey has come a long way over the years as caregiver and has been introduced and taught about the uses of natural medicine, namely hemp, by one of her generous sponsors, Tony Budden of Hemporium. She has found huge success treating all types of illnesses within her community with her hemp “muti” and the news is spreading fast.
Hemporium offer the widest selection of hemp products in Africa, including locally manufactured hemp clothing, accessories, body-care and nutrition products.
The benefits of Hemp
Hemp Oil is high in Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids, which are supportive to a healthy body and mind.
- Contains Anti-inflammatory properties – great for aches and pains.
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Helps reduce hyperactivity and learning difficulties (ADHD)
- Improves general brain functioning
- Gives the immune system a boost
- Helps Psoriasis and Eczema
- Promotes healthy skin
People living in poorer communities do not have a sufficient supply of omega’s and fatty acids in their daily diet. The introduction of Hemp Oil has seen some amazing benefits in the Yiza Ekhaya community. It has now been aptly named “miracle oil”.
Enter GreenHome!
More about sponsors : GreenHome
GreenHome is a South African compostable food packaging supplier that has had an ongoing relationship with Mickey and the Yiza Ekhaya Soup Kitchen. Together, they worked on plans, had discussions with builders and decided it was time to start fund raising to build Mickey a basic, safe structure to continue her work from.
Catherine Morris, joined forces with Tony Budden from Hemporium and Oliver Wolf, the architect behind South Africa’s first 2 Hemp houses. They loved the idea of building a Hemp building as a community center, and the plans kicked in to motion.
More about Hemp Housing
Hemp is a natural, sustainable and carbon neutral building material. It is fast growing and grown with low need for water and pesticides. Hemp can be used as the raw material for bricks, chipboard and insulation. It is non toxic, it breaths and regulates moisture. It also has excellent insulation and better temperature levels compared to usual RDP buildings.
Yiza Ekhaya Soup Kitchen was to be a perfect example of an environmentally sustainable, cost effective building material for RDP housing. Not only would Yiza Ekhaya benefit from having a building made from this natural material, but it would also serve to showcase the potential for industrial Hemp. To create opportunities, jobs and sustainable natural building materials for building homes in South Africa.
