It remains a huge challenge to meet the needs of the residents and service users who attend the skills development program on a daily basis. It is Yonder Hartsfees' vision to run this program across the Northern Cape. The mental health case user needs the best facilities and care to add value to their life. Yonder Hartsfees acknowledges them as partners in this festive presentation.

Nico van der Westhuizen spoke to Jannie van Zyl, the director of Yonder Hartsfees, to find out more about the festival and program.

Goals of Yonder Hartsfees:

• To promote the arts in all its genres among the people of Kimberley and the Northern Cape.

• To offer local artists, exhibitors and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their talents.

• To benefit local formal and informal businesses, the community and charities at the festival.

• To offer the marginalized and remote people of the province the opportunity to showcase their culture, song, dance and music.

• To stimulate economic growth, tourism and entrepreneurship in the Northern Cape.

• To provide entertainment, general education and also education within the arts.

• To contribute positively to nation building.

• To recognize people with an intellectual disability as partners and co-presenters of Yonder Hartsfees.

Program Yonder

Yonder is a centre for adult persons living with an intellectual disability and who are not capable of competing in the open labour market due to:

1. The inability to work at productivity levels required for employment

2. The inappropriate behaviour that could not be accommodated in employment

3. Need for supervision, care, support and assistance

4. Special educational needs not catered for by mainstream training providers and

The centre is a protective workshop and an aftercare centre for adult persons living with an intellectual disability.

This was in response to a dire need within the community for facilities for the care of adult persons living with an intellectual disability. Over the years Yonder has developed into one of the largest and best facilities of this nature. The programme falls under the auspices of the Northern Cape Mental Health Society.

Yonder is situated in the old mining town of De Beers, called Kenilworth just outside of Kimberley. The first houses were built in 1888. Mr Harry Openheimer initially donated the mansion, the residence of the General Manager of De Beers, to the NC Mental Health Society. The house was called “Yonder” as it was situated quite a distance from the other houses.

After many discussions, the whole town was bought from De Beers in 1968. The old mansion “Yonder” has been converted into a hostel (Independent Living for Women) and kitchen for the residents of Yonder.

A most beautiful church is situated in Kenilworth and is still in use on Sundays and for weddings.

The aftercare provides accommodation for 230 residents. They are cared for by developing their vocational skills, life skills, do sport, recreation and other extramural activities.

Accommodation consists of:

4 Hostels for men

4 Hostels for women

1 Independent living facility – Ruimte – for men

1 Independent living facility – HO – for women

2 Frail care facilities

Financial donations to the Northern Cape Mental Health Association are always welcome. The organization is a registered Public Charity in terms of Section 80 of the Income Tax Act 1962 and is approved for the purposes of Section 18A(1)(a) of the Act. Donations are therefore tax deductible. Find out more here: northerncapementalhealth.co.za