Judah Square

ABOUT US

Judah Square is a Rastafari community situated in a small valley in Khayalethu South, a suburb of Knysna, a town in South Africa.

It was an informal settlement which developed into a formal one. It’s began in 1993 when the municipality responded to a request by the local Rasta’s to allocate them their own area. As per the development plan happening in the area, the Rastas still had to apply individually for lots but they were accorded beside one another.

At first, there were only shacks and no fences. The Knysna municipality then gave title deeds and subsidized dwellings. This inspired pride in the Rastas. Over the years, rooms were built on, new dwellings erected, fences installed and gardens made. Through self-fundraising, they built a tabernacle (a church), an Educare Centre (creche), 2 B&B homestays, a holistic healing centre, an office, a food stall and a community hall. They also formed a band called The Reggae Ambassadors.

Youth workshops are held most Sundays. These impart Rastafari teachings, arts, crafts, music, black history, permaculture and various life skills. this also provides spiritual balance in their lives. Adults also partake in skill sharing. House band, The Reggae Ambassadors assist with fundraising efforts.

There is a boom gate for security at the entrance to Judah Square. Stall holders who sell fruit, vegetables and arts and crafts take turns manning the gate voluntarily. Consequently, Judah Square is much safer than the surrounding area having no violent crime (such as rape and murder) and very little theft. Parents take comfort in the knowledge that their children are safe while they play. It also serves as a convenience to visitors and tourists who are greeted warmly and directed where to go.

The majority of residents work in town, many with their own businesses. The vision is to grow tourism so that those businesses can operate sustainably within Judah Square itself. The goal is to rise together in One Love.

PROJECTS & SERVICES

There are different mansions and organizations within Rastafari. Judah Square houses a variety of these. In the past, there were differences on some issues but there’s been an acceptance of varied thought through concentration on what there is in common. All live and work together. Relationships are further strengthened by family day outings and community gatherings.

The Nyabinghi Order (a churchical order within Rastafari) hold daily morning praises in the tabernacle. Commencing at 6am, it includes chants, a psalm of the day and a prayer to start the day. On the first Saturday of each month, a larger service takes place which includes attendees from all over the Western Cape of South Africa.

The House of Judah

With the allocation of title deeds to land, the Rastafari formed an organization called the House of Judah (for all who lived there). The HOJ is part of a national Rastafari structure that has local, provincial and national councils working together on issues and projects.

The HOJ is registered as a co-operative under the name of ‘One Love Rastafari Tourism & Projects’. It is a member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Knysna Tourism. It is involved in various ways with Knysna Municipality, SANparks, Cape Nature and other other environmental groups on an ad hoc, prject basis.

There is a yearly membership fee of R100 for execitives and R50 for members. The HOJ also runs a R1 per member per day project from which the proceeds are used for community maintenance. Monthly, there’s an executive meeting which is followed by a general meeting for members. If urgent circumstances demand it, special meetings are called.

The House of Judah (HOJ) composed a constitution for its residents to abide by. It stipulated that the land would remain the community’s – if anyone wanted to sell their plot, first option would go to the HOJ or, secondly, to a Rasta wanting to come in. The HOJ must collectively agree on the new people coming in. In this manner, it would remain a Rasta community.

The House of Judah (HOJ) has a Sisters’ Council who meet weekly to work on projects and fundraising. Their efforts include arts and crafts, cooking and a Nyabinghi choir.

The Educare Centre

The Educare Centre is run by four Rasta sista’s residing in Judah Square. They have all undergone training – 2 have reached Level 5. They are paid from the schools fees – this isn’t much but they are simultaneously acquiring skills.

They look after an age group which ranges from babies to 6yrs. These are Rastas and non-rastas, with the majority coming from outside, providing positive interaction with greater Khayalethu.

House of Judah (HOJ) is proud to state that their Educare Centre previously won an award for the Best Creche of the Year (awarded by the Knysna Education trust in 2009).

Mama B., a highly respected Rasta elder (originally from Jamaica), started a Food for Africa project where she plants seeds and distributes seedlings to homes in the community. She also has a small garden whose produce is shared with those in need.

There are also others who have their own small fruit & vegetable gardens.

Recently, 2 bigger plots were cleared for community planting.