Monday 20th November 2006
Clem Cairns - Orange Team
Complacency. They say that’s what causes accidents on site. This is the third day and traditionally the worst day for accidents. Talking about it helps keep you focused on it. Scaffold isn’t always the best and cutting corners is more enticing as confidence grows. Its not something that afflicts the mayor of Cape Town - complacency, nor the guys in charge of housing in this shack-ridden part beautiful part of the world. Today was the press conference here on site. Desmond Tutu was the star. He exudes personality. Doesn’t speechify when he addresses the gathering. He tells stories. He laughs infectiously. He tells us what great people we are, and coming from him it feels great too. The Mayor was a different entity, Helen Zille is her name. She thanked us all, touched all the bases, then warned of the possibility of complacency among South Africans. She was pretty strong on this. She wants her countrymen to take inspiration and example from what we are doing, but to use it as a catalyst to emulate what we in Ireland have achieved in recent years. Dependency frightens her. She got a great cheer. All of us over 30 knew what she was talking about. It still gives a strange feeling when people tell you they look to Ireland as the model for economic success. Too recent I guess. But back to the building. There’s a clip fiend on the site. A bad elf or goblin. Probably related to the single-sock thief and the biro fecker. He, or she, mixes the two sizes when your back is turned. There’s 5mm in the difference and hard to spot by eye. The short ones go on the first row of roof tiles, and the longer ones after that. There’s more time wasted, it seems, sorting through them than attaching them. Frustrating, but then with tiredness and heat many things are. Its worthwhile to stop often and look around, at the majestic Table Mountain in the distance, at the lattice of electric wire that covers the township like a giant spider’s web, at the shacks strewn about in their thousands, the people here waiting for a house, and remember not to get complacent, not about the work today nor the task for the future.
Anne-Marie Murphy and Dorothy Igoe - Yellow Team
No time for Monday morning blues here in Mfuleni - the usual early kick-off is now becoming a bit of a routine and you can tell those who have had an early night and those not so early – the energy drinks, water and energy bars are a dream come true for all of us. The highlight for today was the visit by Archbishop Tutu, Mayor Helen Zille and other government ministers who were given a warm welcome not only by the Niall Mellon Irish Builders but by the residents of Mfuleni who welcomed us by song. Both nationalities joined together in 30 degree heat then proceeded to sing Happy Birthday to the Archbishop on his 75th. And what about the Building Progress? Well, we seem to be on target assisted by a fantastic breeze, and having been on scaffolding for most of the day with the Brickies, it is encouraging to see we have already got some of the team’s houses painted --- Yellow of course !! We even had a visit from the Building Control Officer who seemed to be giving us thumbs up for our skills so far – well, that’s our impression at least – we may hear differently later on this evening!! The bakkies team have been a constant support along with the Water and Ice-lolly gang, such a welcome site and a wee boost to keep the morale going when we really really need it. Halfway point tomorrow – it’s so hard to believe. A fabulous night lies ahead via a trip to Moyo in Speirs Wine Valley for some traditional African entertainment, food and wine – if last year’s was anything to go by, it will be an action-packed night!!!
Gerry Fennell - Green Team
Day Three! Spirits were high in the camp this morning, the craic was good in the bar last night when we watched Ireland beat Australia in the rugby after work last night! Everybody was in great form on the bus this morning and there was even a cool breeze, the break from the sun was welcomed. First task of the day was roofing some of the finished houses – I noticed today the different teams were coming together to give each other a dig out so it was a real team effort. At 11am all tools were laid down and all team volunteers headed down to head Quarters as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu AKA “The Arch” was coming to visit – he addressed all the volunteers and delivered the most powerful and spiritual speech I have ever heard…. The Mayor of Capetown spoke also and promised to match the number of Irish Volunteers next year with South Africans – lets hope she keeps her promise!! The sun was back with a vengeance this afternoon, and the sunscreen and bottles of water were promptly distributed… the teams are working and faster faster each day as they get more familiar with their surroundings. Im happy to report we are well on target!
Paula Cullen – Blue Team
Arrived on site yesterday at 8am and got allocated job of palletiser – stacking blocks on pallets and leaving them ready for collection by a teleporter. Weather is very hot up to 35 degrees in the afternoon, which was tough going. I had Dion O’Cuainagain helping me at one stage. Delighted to say I got a promotion, which was an indoor job tidying up the block work after the bricklayers. My boss was Seamus O’Dwyer while Vera Plunkett and I were his assistants. Great craic for the remainder of the day. Finished up at 4.45 and there was a stampede for the buses to get back to the hotel for the rugby match. Well done Brian and the boys! 6 of us went out to the Waterfront for a quick bite to eat and then for me it was back to the hotel and bed. Another 6.30 alarm this morning, breakfast and on the coach for 11.30. Great excitement in the camp as Archbishop Desmond Tutu was visiting at 11.30 and it happened to be his 75th Birthday. A press conference was held and speakers included Mayor Helen Zille, Local Housing Minister Richard Dyantyi and Bishop Tutu. A large birthday cake was presented to the Bishop. Back to reality again at 12.30 as I joined my crew and continued with the brick work. Delighted to say that I am heading towards a professional ‘palletiser’ and brick-layer certificate! Weather very hot and windy and there is a lot of dust. I have spoken to the family who are moving into one of ‘my’ houses and they are so excited and grateful to the people of Ireland.
