About Us
Our Heritage: A Sanctuary Since 1972
Kays Community wasn’t built in a day; it was built through decades of service.
Established in 1972 by the Strümpfer family, Kays Caravan Park began as a place for holidaymakers to enjoy the beauty of the Strand (in Western Cape, South Africa).
However, in 1983, a nearby park closed its gates, leaving dozens of families stranded. Seeing a desperate need for urgent accommodation, Marcel Strümpfer stepped in.
He secured council permission to transform Kays into a semi-permanent residence, allowing people to bring their own homes and plant their own roots.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every individual has access to safe, secure, and sustainable housing.
Through our Housing and other projects, we aim to not only rebuild homes but also create a sense of stability and belonging for those in need.
Our Mission
We are deeply rooted in our vision of a world where every individual has access to safe, secure, and sustainable housing.
Our Mission is to build a sustainable community. By donating you are part of the change. All donations are eligible for a Article 18 A Certificate.
Our Values
1. Compassion
2. Integrity
3. Collaboration
4. Resilience
Together, we can make a difference and create a world where no one is left behind in times of crisis.
A REFUGE IN THE WESTERN CAPE
For over 40 years, we have provided a critical service in one of the most expensive
regions of South Africa.
As one of the VERY few providers of SAFE low-income housing in the Western Cape, Kays has become a lifeline for those who otherwise would have no place to go.
By managing municipal accounts, road maintenance, and essential services through a modest park fee, the Strümpfer family created a space where dignity and affordability could co-exist.
RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISASTER
In 2014, the legacy passed to the next generation as Lana Strümpfer De Goede took over management. Under her leadership, the park has seen significant improvements, but the journey hasn’t been easy.
The last two and a half years have tested our resolve like never before. We have weathered:
- 3 Devastating Fires
- 4 Catastrophic Floods
These disasters left families without roofs over their heads and caused untold havoc. But where others saw “devastation,” we saw a call to action.
Why We Became An NPO
The rising costs of municipal services and the increasing frequency of natural disasters meant that “business as usual” was no longer enough.
To protect our residents and rebuild stronger, we officially transitioned from Kays Caravan Park to Kays Community NPO.
This change allows us to:
- Generate Dedicated Funding: Every cent goes toward the community, not profit.
- Execute Upliftment Projects: Planning and developing infrastructure that can withstand the elements.
- Secure the Future: Ensuring that the 95% permanent occupancy we were granted in 1983 remains a safe haven for generations to come.
The Vision Ahead
“I have been part of this community since my childhood. My dream is to offer secure housing, free from the fear of fires and floods,
and to foster job creation that impacts the entire Helderberg community.”
