Social Responsibility

Brikla gives back to the community

During the South African COVID-19 lockdown, local restrictions prevented many services and functions within our country from operating.

Informal settlements were probably the hardest hit, already being subject to harsh and unfavourable living conditions. Many services stopped operating completely, resulting in lack of food supply and complete loss of income for many living in these “squatter camps”.

Unfortunately, South Africa already had a huge unemployment figure of around 30% and a large percentage of the population live below the poverty line. Communities like this form the backbone of the economy, comprising local taxi operators, bus drivers, “fruit and veg hawkers”, gardeners, domestic services and more. Many of these people were prevented from working during the earlier stages of the lockdown.

They lost all income and, with public transport not operating, could not even get to the shops. A R350 monthly relief grant was implemented for those affected and without work, but this has been plagued by delivery issues from the start.

Brikla co-founder Kaven Naicker knew that he needed to do something to help the community. Kaven is the grandson of political activist George Naicker, who was a Robben Island detainee for 14 years, along with other stalwarts of the democratic struggle in South Africa. His family has a long history of imposed restrictions, spending many years exiled in Zambia with limited movement and communication with family and friends.

Kaven said, “It was during my upbringing that I came to know very well the feelings these types of restrictions and lockdowns can evoke. I know personally what it felt like for the exiled stalwarts I visited many times as a child. I later grew up amongst the poorer areas of Durban, South Africa.

I attended government schooling in the local community, and many colleagues of mine come from this area. In those days I would walk alongside the sewer pipers of Durban, from Umhlanga Road to my friends in Inanda, a township in Durban that had no proper water or sewerage system and a lack of access to schooling. I played soccer in the streets of “Stop 8”. Life was simple and easy going back then. Even after I finished schooling, I regularly went back to the township ‘shebeens’ to drink with colleagues.”

Brikla’s values are reflected in the personal principles of its co-founders. Kaven’s upbringing inspired his focus on sustainability first, putting socio-economic and environmental factors at the forefront of his ventures.

It’s through these values that he’s managed to build trusted relationships and create stronger networks – in all areas of life.