In the early 1990s a quadriplegic called Andries Olivier had a dream of starting a self-help centre in the Durbanville area. An avid draughtsman, Andries successfully negotiated with the Durbanville council for a piece of land and drew plans for a self-help centre. At the same time an accessible house in Kuils River was rented as a temporary home to 5 quadriplegics.

Sadly Andries fell ill and passed away before the Durbanville house could be built, but the QAWC and his very good friends Danny and Alta Retief made it their goal to see their friend’s dream become reality. After many challenges the Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre opened its doors on 30 August 2001.

The centre is home to 12 permanent residents and also has two guestrooms where wheelchair users can stay for a period of up to one month. Situated very close to the Durbanville town centre the residents, can regularly be spotted in the towns shops. Over the years the centre has received tremendous support from the Durbanville community and the residents of the centre have become a part of the Durbanville community.

In order to raise funds over the years, the Centre has held concerts featuring some of the biggest names in the South African music industry including Kurt Darren, Gerrie Pretorius, Nianell, Juanita du Plessis etc. The centre has a club 500 project which brings in a steady monthly income and also hosts an annual golf day as well as other fundraising projects throughout the year.

Running the centre requires a commitment from each and every resident. Each resident has at least one responsibility within the house and ensuring the smooth running of House Andries Olivier is a real team effort.

Four of the residents of House Andries Olivier go out to work each and every day. Their careers vary and include an engineer, data capture, project manager and a human resource manager. Three of our residents are students with the Mouth and Foot Painters Association whose artwork has reached tremendous heights.

Written by Anthony Ghillino