What a pretty name it is, isn’t it? Lavender Hill. In any other context, the name rightfully conjures up images of hills of pretty lilac flowers, wafting heavenly scents that provide a sense of calm, comfort and smiley bliss. Breathe in...
Except, we’re not in Lalaland are we? No, we’re in Lavender Hill, Cape Town, where today 25 June 2026, I had the very special privilege of meeting the Gen A Changemakers, a trio of youngsters who are thriving like beautiful lilac flowers in and amongst a desperately dysfunctional garden that is the hot, disturbing mess of Lavender Hill.
It is hardcore, it really is, and that is all I’m going to say ‘cos we’re not about accentuating those issues, ‘cos we live that reality day in and day out. I am reminded that the horrific child abuse, daily shootings, murder, rape, GBV is still very much on the agenda in this day and age, as it still is in the other communities where I have uncovered these similar tales of triumph.
Okay, breathe out…
Mackenzie (14), Devardo (13) and Aqeel (16) have acquired a powerful, indestructible secret weapon in their daily battle against the horrors that lurk in the garden.
Breathe in…
“Yoga and meditation are a little like finding a safe place inside yourself that you can go to when things get rough,” Aqeel responds to my request to describe how it helps. “Yoga helps your body slow down and stretch, like a cat waking up in the sunshine. Meditation helps your mind sit quietly for a moment,” he continues.
“It’s a bit like sitting alone on the beach watching the waves,” adds Mackenzie.
“The worries and scary feelings don't magically disappear, but they stop weighing so heavily on your mind so that you can breathe again,” Devardo reflects.
And now I know… sorry, breathe out… I know I have entered a different dimension. Work with me here, we are talking seriously about real trauma and a real way of processing it.
Gen A Changemakers is the name of a community initiative started by these three amazing souls. It stands for Generation A, referring to the pass mark A, and they are committed to making a positive change in their community.
They’re currently engaged in a Winter Fundraiser, aimed at providing assistance to 30 families who are in dire need of essentials to make it through the winter. I just realized that the Generation Alpha (or "Gen A") is the demographic cohort succeeding Gen Z, generally defined as those born between 2010 and 2024. Ek sê ma net.
Breathe… okay I see you’ve got this.
Keeping a beady eye on me during the interview, in the interest of the children’s rights and welfare, are Mandy Abrahams and Jadene van Neel of Earthchild Project.
ECP has been around for two decades and its mission “is to create meaningful and sustainable change by providing practical skills in how to live a holistic, balanced lifestyle with a focus on self-awareness, health and the environment. Earthchild Project aims to nurture and develop a new generation of conscious, confident and responsible earth children.” And there are no prizes to see why The Raven Report was attracted to Gen A Changemakers and Earthchild Project.
Aqeel is a natural communicator and he speaks passionately and confidently about his journey. “I was head-boy at my primary school and I often find myself in leadership situations. My leadership style is soft-voice, love and kindness.”
Aqeel has designs on studying at Stellenbosch University, “I think I’d like to be a chef someday, preferably on a luxury cruise-liner,” says he.
“I see myself as a criminal lawyer,” says Mackenzie. “You know that means you are going to have to deal with the same gangsters causing all the drama here,” says I. “Bring it on,” says she.
I ask Mackenzie about the challenges of being a girl/young woman in the Gen A world of social media. “I think we should all have the freedom and bravery to be who we are and share what we want to about ourselves, although I would say, never do so at the expense of your self-worth.”
I look at Mandy and I sense that she is reading my mind as I reflect back to how our parents believed that children should be seen and not heard. I, for one, am glad those days are gone.
Jadene had her first experience of Earthchild Project as a 10-year-old learner. Now at 25, she is a Yoga Facilitator for the organisation .
Breathe out, breathe out, yoh, I though you’ve got this!
Devardo’s story deserves its own chapter, and maybe I will share it here in the future. “I do not accept or tolerate abuse or bullying from anyone,” he says passionately. He tells me he is determined to become a politician to change certain laws pertaining to child protection.
To lift the mood, I ask him how Yoga unlocks his own inner joy. “I find joy in helping others,” he replies with a magnetic smile. “Ja, but where is your own joy hidden?” “I don’t know I don’t smile a lot,” he says with another big smile. “Crap man, Devardo, look at how you’re smiling now, en kyk daai dimples.”
His smile is truly transcendent and visible proof that he is definitely heading in the right direction regarding his personal challenges.
Lavender Hill’s narrative is being re-written, one yoga session, one meditation, and a few big smiles at a time.
Get ready.
