The Trevor Huddleston CR Memorial Centre draws inspiration from the experiences and hopes of the 'new' South Africa and the heritage of 'old' Sophiatown. The founders of the Centre envision a community where all people work for the common good and to enable historically disadvantaged people to develop options for their future.

The Centre's aim is to access and create resources for social, cultural and economic development, and to be a catalyst for change. The Centre hopes to empower women and men in need, regardless of their race, gender, religion or beliefs, and to support a democratic society under the constitution.

Established in 1999, the Centre is a place for learning, sharing and nurturing people to build stronger communities through various programmes in arts, crafts and culture, tourism, ICT skills & training, HIV/AIDS education. The Centre's users are residents past and present, and residents of Soweto, Alexandra, Newlands, Westbury and surrounding areas. Many of our students travel from further afield such as Tembisa, to access the learning on offer here.

In February 2005, former President Nelson Mandela came to unveil a bronze memorial to Oliver Tambo, who had been active in Sophiatown's resistance, and who ha been "the closest friend" to Trevor Huddleston while both in exile. Tambo was exiled for 30 years and died before the democratic elections in 1994. His wife, Adelaide Tambo, accompanied Mr Mandela on this occiasion to mark a lifetime's commitment to the struggle.

Also that month - exactly 50 years since the removal began - a 'Memorial Procession' took place as part of the Centre's anniversary events to mark the removals.

Today a community musem is beginning to capture the stories of 'removals and returns' to Sophiatown.

NPO no: 020 380

Registered section 21 not-for-profit association no 2000/006377/08

Patrons: Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Abdul Minty, Lord Attenborough, Rt Rev. Thabo Makgoba, Fr Andrew Norton CR

Be part of recreating the Spirit of Sophiatown

If you are interested as an individual or in an organisation capacity, to become involved with volunteering, donations, event organising, or to be a partner, please do contact us. Phone: 011 673 1271, Fax: 011 477 3490 or email: thmcentre@mweb.co.za