Southfield

Amidst the bustling energy of Cape Town lies a hidden gem, Southfield. Southfield is more than just another suburb. It holds within its heart a small informal settlement, a community often overlooked, known as Victoria Lodge. Tucked away just off the M5 highway, Victoria Lodge exists almost unseen by many of Southfield’s residents. Yet, within this small cluster of shacks, lives a vibrant community of around 26 families, approximately 31 adults and 23 children. Southfield’s Victoria Lodge is a place where resilience shines through hardship. Residents like Kobus Killian, who has called Victoria Lodge home for 25 years, and Christine Simon, whose small shack offers a much-needed shelter, exemplify the strength of the human spirit. Life in Victoria Lodge isn’t easy. Unemployment is high, many rely on social grants, and some children lack even birth certificates. The harsh winters bring cold and flooding, testing the limits of their resilience. Yet, within this challenging environment, a sense of community thrives. People support each other, sharing what little they have. They have found a home in Southfield, in a place many pass by without a second glance. Southfield also has its champions, people like Donna Oakes. Initially spurred by a misunderstanding, Oakes discovered the reality of life in Victoria Lodge and dedicated herself to helping. Her organization, “Alms of Love – One Give at a Time,” provides crucial support, bringing food parcels several times a week. The City of Cape Town also plays a role, providing basic services like toilets, taps, electricity, and refuse removal. Southfield, a suburb of contrasts, reminds us that even within seemingly ordinary places, extraordinary stories of resilience and community spirit unfold.