Kleinkrantz is located about 10 kilometers from Wilderness, right by the Indian Ocean, along one of South Africa's most scenic tourist routes. Established in 1985, Kleinkrantz was intended as a housing settlement for the poorer segments of the population. However, the government-funded buildings were primarily rented to more affluent individuals, leaving those promised housing to construct an informal settlement on a waste dump.

These informal settlements consist of makeshift homes made from wood and corrugated iron. As in many areas across South Africa, issues such as AIDS and alcohol abuse are prevalent, compounded by a lack of education. Violence and crime are daily realities in these settlements, and the social fabric is severely strained. Families often consist of single mothers with multiple children from different fathers. Many residents rely on casual jobs, but their earnings frequently go toward alcohol.

Despite South Africa's wealth of natural resources, the post-apartheid government has struggled to establish a social safety net that protects the country’s most vulnerable populations. Tragically, children often bear the brunt of this failure, with many unable to complete their education and becoming involved in crime or substance abuse, perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty and despair.

The Kleinkrantz Childcare and Youth Development Centre began in October 2005 with 10 to 15 children who came to our private apartment after school for food and homework assistance. Currently, the centre provides after-school care for 25 children at a rented property, while another 30 younger children attend a nursery (Crèche and Grade R) in the mornings, located in a municipal building.

Kula Malaika was founded after we established the Children’s Centre in Kleinkrantz. The Kleinkrantz Centre operates as a separate non-profit organization with its own parent committee. However, our vision extended beyond that, leading us to register Kula Malaika as another non-profit organization in 2010. Translated into English, “Kula Malaika” means “The Growing Angel of Love.”

Today, Kula Malaika serves as an umbrella organization for the Children and Youth Centre of Kleinkrantz and its second children’s centre, the Kula Malaika Children’s Centre. This second centre and the Kula Malaika Life Skills Training project for young adults are situated on a small farm between George and Knysna along the Seven Passes Road, serving the rural community of Hoogekraal and its surroundings. We receive support from several German non-profit organizations and have partnered with the Children Relief Organization “Das Kindermissionswerk” in Aachen, Germany, since 2008.