We need collective and generational healing – from the ground up.
On Monday 16 June the community of Cloetesville took to the streets in protest – not in anger, but in grief, desperation, and deep concern. Ongoing killings, gun violence, and fear have shattered the peace in our homes, schools, and on sports fields. The question is no longer whether something must be done, but who will help us do it.
My name is Shihan Garfield Bergstedt. I was born in Cloetesville, just like the other men I now stand with – coaches, athletes, cultural leaders, fathers. Together, we call ourselves the “Sons of the Soil”. We are not just speaking out – we are taking action.
We run free karate-based programmes inside Pieter Langeveldt Primary School and our local dojo.
We teach peace, breath, alignment, focus, and healing – not fighting. We walk with our children, literally – at the schools, in our streets, and on the soccer fields every weekend.
But when I look around, I see children with no food, no guidance, and no adults cheering from the sidelines.
That’s why I’m using part of my own provident fund to start a Saturday food initiative: paper-based, biodegradable packs of three items: two to eat, one to share. That’s how we teach responsibility, generosity, and dignity.
We will deliver these to local sports fields every weekend, where I already support my son and many others.
We’ve formally launched Cloetesville Community Developers and Enablers, an organisation of men born from the pain of displacement and now rising as a solution. Our plans include:
– a multipurpose leadership and sport centre next to Cloetesville Sports Ground;
– expanding our martial arts and sport coaching across the greater Stellenbosch area;
– launching a regional sport karate tournament among schools;
– hosting body-mind alignment workshops for parents: breathing, yoga and healing; and
– weekly presence at fields where real life happens, not in boardrooms.
We’ve written to Stellenbosch mayor, Jeremy Fasser. We’ve written to funders like Inceba Trust, but only silence meets our letters.
No reply. No recognition.
This is not a complaint – it’s a plea: support the people who are already doing the work.
Funders and decision-makers must realise that this kind of healing cannot be done from afar. It must be done with feet on the field, hands in the earth, and hearts with the children.
To the parents, the teachers, the coaches, and the elders: we need you, your presence, your energy, your belief.
To the organisations and funders: we need your support, your resources, and your willingness to recognise grassroots leadership.
We are not waiting for a hero. We are becoming the healing we need, but this work must be collective.
If this message reaches your heart, contact me in 072 785 6448 or garfield.bergstedt@gmail.com.
Join us. Walk with us. Stand with our youth.
Garfield Bergstedt,
Cloetesville
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Sons of the Soil – Founding Members:
These are the men behind the movement – local fathers, athletes, coaches, leaders, and born sons of Cloetesville:
– Garfield Bergstedt (Founder & Chairperson)
– Shawn Rhode (Co-Lead) – 071 059 7407
– Marlon Davidse – 071 059 7407
– Wayde Davidse
– Ashley Davids
– Desmond Stanfliet (treasurer)
– Mark Williams
– Ghio Klazen
– Matthew Segers
