John Nicholson’s library is back on track, thanks to generous donors who read about the South African hero’s troubles in the Daily Voice.
Mense in South Africa, and from as far as Germany, UK and USA rallied to help John keep the library he started in his garage, to get kids in his Lavender Hill community reading and give them a safe space after school.
While the library was forced to close, the couple managed to continue their feeding scheme, covering the garage with plastic sheets to keep the rain out.
This week John revealed that after nearly two years of struggle, he was finally able to replace the garage roof and thereby reopen the library.
In April 2018, the City of Cape Town’s Municipal Planning Tribunal found there was no building plan for the garage and he was forced to remove the roof or face a fine of R730.
REBUILT: Library space had no roof for two years. Picture: Supplied
The drama had started a few weeks earlier when John and his wife were approached by a sponsor, Jean Williams of Biblionef SA, after he appealed for help to replace the metal sheeting on the roof which was leaking and damaging the library.
But when he and Williams approached the City, they learnt no plan had been sumitted for the structure and John was advised to remove the entire roof and that he needed to apply for a land use permit and permission to operate his library.
He says plans for the new roof were approved in December 2018.
It has taken almost a year to rebuild the structure.
INCOMPLETE: Interior still needs some finishing. Picture: Supplied
The couple has been serving the community for over 15 years with their organisation, called Omega View, in Hillview. They named their library “Siyafunda”, which means read.
John says after much heartache, tears and prayers, they can start 2020 with a new library.
“We want to thank Jean Williams and Sinita and her team from Biblionef SA, including Biblionef International, who sponsored us R45 000 for our roof sheets and the labour,” he says.
“We also want to thank Batsumicare for their donation of blocks, sand, cement, stone and brickforce, as well as my adopted mom and dad in Wales, friends in London, Germany and the USA and all those who did mountain climbing as a fundraiser for us.
HEARTY: Little ones also get a meal at the library. Picture: Supplied
“God bless you all. We are excited to have our roof back and we cannot wait to officially reopen in 2020.”