Sometimes, the smallest spark of compassion lights the way for something extraordinary.
Jeffrey Doveton, a goldsmith from Cape Town, has become a beacon of hope for street vendors in his community, turning discarded materials into opportunities for dignity and enterprise.
It all started with a chance encounter. While searching for a familiar face, a local security guard who had always greeted him warmly, Jeffrey discovered that the man had suffered a stroke and, after being retrenched, was making ends meet by selling boerewors rolls.
What struck Jeffrey was the resilience of the former security guard as well as the harsh reality of his working conditions: a broken gazebo, a rickety table, and little protection from the elements. "I couldn't ignore it," he recalls. "I knew I had the skills and resources to do something about it. So, I decided to build him a proper boerewors stand. Something he could be proud of."
Jeffrey transformed the man's humble setup into a functional, foldable vendor stand using only recyclable materials and scraps.
But he didn't stop there.
This act of kindness became the seed for The New Beginnings Project, a grassroots initiative that provides street vendors with tailored stands to elevate their businesses.
The stands are designed to fold into compact, portable units. Jeffrey is raising funds to scale the project, covering tools, materials, and even stock replenishments for those who could use an extra boost.
Jeffrey's motivation is simple: to restore dignity, ignite hope, and create vibrant street markets that enrich the community.
If you'd like to support Jeffrey's initiative, consider contributing to this remarkable effort to empower Cape Town's street vendors.
Here is the link to support their efforts: https://lnkd.in/dEMbjkrR.
-Kimlynn Temple-tipped Founder and CEO 2025
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