A Lentegeur hip hop artist is giving back to the community which has supported him for more than 30 years.
Under the auspices of the Deen Louw Foundation, D’Louw is continuing an initiative started by musicians collective Rhyme Unit Hip Hop Group (RUHHG), in 1993 in Heinz Park. Where only two shacks stood then, has now mushroomed into a sprawling mix of government subsidy houses and makeshift homes.
The non-profit feeds up to 800 people a week between noon and 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, in different parts of Mitchell’s Plain.
They cook, gather goods and prepare meals in Lentegeur and then distribute where the need is.
Their partner, Angels South Africa, cook wholesome and halaal food, to ensure everyone can eat.
D’Louw said RUHHG had been born out of a passion for music.
“We used music as a vehicle to give back to our communities and we used friendship to make a difference by raising funds; and throughout this the community supported us,” he said.
The group has since split but the individuals each have their own charity opportunities.
D’Louw said they mainly had to reach other businesses and private donors to help sustain feeding their communities.
Over the years he has been distributing stationery to pupils across the Cape Flats but this year he has had a more structured approach and is able to reach many more.
For this he has partnered with Candice van der Rheede, head of the Western Cape Missing Persons’ Unit, to prevent children from taking things from strangers.
“So, they have their own pencil, eraser, ruler and pencil bag, which they can take pride in.
“We refuse to give strangers an opportunity to abuse our children,” he said.
On Saturday March 13 from 10am until 6pm Scirocco car club, from Ocean View, D’Louw, and his friends will host a fund-raiser “Show and Shine”, in the car park of Las Vegas Lounge, Westridge Shopping Centre, corner of Park and Simonsig avenues. For more information and to donate, call D’Louw on 072 270 4421.
