When Father Charles bought a portion of a farm North of Bronkhorstspruit in
2006 this was barren and fallow grassland with only a few trees and shrubs on it.
Today cows and sheep are grazing and vegetables and fruit are harvested.
Here Father Charles created a small paradise for elderly people who do not have
the means to buy into an old aged home and who are in need of care.
The Mission of the “Father Charles Trust” was his own mission in life and is our
guidance today. Visit us and see for yourselves how the words of the Gospel
are brought to life.
Please walk through Phumula with us and learn more about Father Charles’
Heritage and the way we are Taking Care of our Elderly and Frail Residents.
Surely Farming is our Livelihood and Welcoming Visitors for a short stay or
catering for social events will add some benefits but only
Your Support will Safeguard our Future.
Mission Statement
For I was hungry and you
gave me food, I was thirsty
and you gave me to drink, I
was a stranger and you
welcomed me, I was naked
and you clothed me, I was
sick and you visited me, I was
in prison and you came to me.
Matthew 25:35-36
When Father Charles bought a portion of a farm North of Bronkhorstspruit in
2006 this was barren and fallow grassland with only a few trees and shrubs on it.
Today cows and sheep are grazing and vegetables and fruit are harvested.
Here Father Charles created a small paradise for elderly people who do not have
the means to buy into an old aged home and who are in need of care.
The Mission of the “Father Charles Trust” was his own mission in life and is our
guidance today. Visit us and see for yourselves how the words of the Gospel
are brought to life.
Please walk through Phumula with us and learn more about Father Charles’
Heritage and the way we are Taking Care of our Elderly and Frail Residents.
Surely Farming is our Livelihood and Welcoming Visitors for a short stay or
catering for social events will add some benefits but only
Your Support will Safeguard our Future.
Mission Statement
For I was hungry and you
gave me food, I was thirsty
and you gave me to drink, I
was a stranger and you
welcomed me, I was naked
and you clothed me, I was
sick and you visited me, I was
in prison and you came to me.
Matthew 25:35-36
Father Charles’ Heritage - Our Commitment
Father Charles lived in South Africa for 54 years until his death in 2015. He
dedicated his priesthood as a helper of the poor and the disenfranchised.
Tirelessly he supported the poor, built homes for children, for women in distress,
for released prisoners and elderly people, he built schools and hospitals.
Wherever he was sent as a missionary to spread the words of the Gospel he
created a place alleviating the suffering of those most in need. Nobody, neither
adults nor children whatever color and faith, was turned away. He developed
flourishing farming that fed and supported its people. By this he created
employment and breadwinning for many people.
In 2006 at more than 70 years of age he started his last
project on this farm near Bronkhorstspruit which he
called “Phumula”. Here, some 100 km away from
Johannesburg, he began to create a green oasis. It was
meant to be a place for elderly people in need of care
and a place of worship.
Father Charles’ Heritage - Our Commitment
Father Charles lived in South Africa for 54 years until his death in 2015. He
dedicated his priesthood as a helper of the poor and the disenfranchised.
Tirelessly he supported the poor, built homes for children, for women in distress,
for released prisoners and elderly people, he built schools and hospitals.
Wherever he was sent as a missionary to spread the words of the Gospel he
created a place alleviating the suffering of those most in need. Nobody, neither
adults nor children whatever color and faith, was turned away. He developed
flourishing farming that fed and supported its people. By this he created
employment and breadwinning for many people.
In 2006 at more than 70 years of age he started his last
project on this farm near Bronkhorstspruit which he
called “Phumula”. Here, some 100 km away from
Johannesburg, he began to create a green oasis. It was
meant to be a place for elderly people in need of care
and a place of worship.
Taking Care of the Elderly and Frail Residents
About fifty persons – some of them very much in need of care – live in the
old-age-home. There are also ten bungalows reserved for elderly married
couples who can still take care of themselves. Our nurses know that our
residents do not need only medical support and physical health care, they
need someone to talk to and also someone who prays with them as they
cannot find the right words any more. We employ five nurses besides the
supporting staff needed to keep such a place running.
We also have to mention that some of our residents are lending a hand in the
garden and enjoy to see the flowers come into bloom and the veggies for the
next day lunch are being harvested.
Taking Care of the Elderly and Frail Residents
About fifty persons – some of them very much in need of care – live in the
old-age-home. There are also ten bungalows reserved for elderly married
couples who can still take care of themselves. Our nurses know that our
residents do not need only medical support and physical health care, they
need someone to talk to and also someone who prays with them as they
cannot find the right words any more. We employ five nurses besides the
supporting staff needed to keep such a place running.
We also have to mention that some of our residents are lending a hand in the
garden and enjoy to see the flowers come into bloom and the veggies for the
next day lunch are being harvested.
Farming is our Livelihood
We grow vegetables and keep animals not only for own consumption but also
for sale. As all our vegetables, tomatoes and onions are organically grown and
the eggs are from free-range poultry this farm produce is quite in demand in
nearby shops and at the embassies in Pretoria. During the cold months of the
year vegetables can still be grown in the greenhouses.
Fruit trees like apricots, peaches and figs complement
our farming activities.
Farming is our Livelihood
We grow vegetables and keep animals not only for own consumption but also
for sale. As all our vegetables, tomatoes and onions are organically grown and
the eggs are from free-range poultry this farm produce is quite in demand in
nearby shops and at the embassies in Pretoria. During the cold months of the
year vegetables can still be grown in the greenhouses.
Fruit trees like apricots, peaches and figs complement
our farming activities.
Our House is Open to Visitors
Visitors always are welcome whether for just for a day visit and having a cup of
coffee or for a few days enjoying the quietness of the place and visiting a few
sightseeing spots nearby. Many visitors come to find spiritual renewal
at this secluded place and peace of mind.
Interesting places from a touristic point of view which can be easily reached are
Pretoria (60 km), the diamond mine in Cullinan (30 km) or the Kruger National Park
(ca. 370 km on highway N4).
The brick buildings are embedded in a beautiful garden and lush green space
with a lot of space to walk around and enjoy nature. Next to the church is a
conference room and a hall for larger events. The guesthouse is equipped
with basic, but lovingly furnished rooms and with private bathrooms.
This wonderful environment is an ideal place to celebrate weddings and the
photogenic backgrounds create unforgettable memories.
Our House is Open to Visitors
Visitors always are welcome whether for just for a day visit and having a cup of
coffee or for a few days enjoying the quietness of the place and visiting a few
sightseeing spots nearby. Many visitors come to find spiritual renewal
at this secluded place and peace of mind.
Interesting places from a touristic point of view which can be easily reached are
Pretoria (60 km), the diamond mine in Cullinan (30 km) or the Kruger National Park
(ca. 370 km on highway N4).
The brick buildings are embedded in a beautiful garden and lush green space
with a lot of space to walk around and enjoy nature. Next to the church is a
conference room and a hall for larger events. The guesthouse is equipped
with basic, but lovingly furnished rooms and with private bathrooms.
This wonderful environment is an ideal place to celebrate weddings and the
photogenic backgrounds create unforgettable memories.
Your Support is our Future
We have established some means for income by selling farm produce and letting
the facilities for events and social functions and providing accommodation.
However, this cannot compensate for all the expenses of the charity. In particular
major repairs, extensions of facilities, purchase of investment goods (such as a car
- remember there is no bus stop round the corner), or a tractor for our farming
activities) and even needed medical items for the residents will exceed our
capabilities.
Therefore we rely on your support for our good course.
There are many ways you can support:
> in kind by spreading the word and foreign visitors spend some time at Phumula
> in person by spending a social year as a student here in Phumula to provide
relief for our staff and also to bring fesh ideas how we can improve our activities
> through a donation to our charity
Donations can be made to the following bank accounts:
ÖSTERREICH
Posojilnica-Bank Ludmannsdorf
IBAN: AT25 3910 1001 0101 1162 BIC: VSGKAT2K101
Stichwort: Projekt Phumula -Südafrika
DEUTSCHLAND
Kontoinhaber: Verband der Diözesen Deutschlands/Auslandssekreteriat
Bank: Commerzbank
IBAN: DE72 3708 0040 0211 4021 00 BIC: DRESDEFF370
Stichwort: „Gemeinde Pretoria/Phumula“
und bitte Ihre komplette Anschrift angeben, danke!
SÜDAFRIKA
„Father Charles Trust“
Standard Bank Kontonummer: 031764061 Branch Code 052850
Reference: Donation Phumula
Your Support is our Future
We have established some means for income by selling farm produce and letting
the facilities for events and social functions and providing accommodation.
However, this cannot compensate for all the expenses of the charity. In particular
major repairs, extensions of facilities, purchase of investment goods (such as a car
- remember there is no bus stop round the corner), or a tractor for our farming
activities) and even needed medical items for the residents will exceed our
capabilities.
Therefore we rely on your support for our good course.
There are many ways you can support:
> in kind by spreading the word and foreign visitors spend some time at Phumula
> in person by spending a social year as a student here in Phumula to provide
relief for our staff and also to bring fesh ideas how we can improve our activities
> through a donation to our charity
Donations can be made to the following bank accounts:
ÖSTERREICH
Posojilnica-Bank Ludmannsdorf
IBAN: AT25 3910 1001 0101 1162 BIC: VSGKAT2K101
Stichwort: Projekt Phumula -Südafrika
DEUTSCHLAND
Kontoinhaber: Verband der Diözesen Deutschlands/Auslandssekreteriat
Bank: Commerzbank
IBAN: DE72 3708 0040 0211 4021 00 BIC: DRESDEFF370
Stichwort: „Gemeinde Pretoria/Phumula“
und bitte Ihre komplette Anschrift angeben, danke!
SÜDAFRIKA
„Father Charles Trust“
Standard Bank Kontonummer: 031764061 Branch Code 052850
Reference: Donation Phumula
About Us
Father Charles named the property which he developed on a farmland “Phumula”.
Phumula is a Zulu word and means relax, retire, rest - the right description for that
what he intended to do with the land.
Our Mission is manifested in the Gospel Matthew 25:34-36 which reads:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me,
I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
With the development of the old age home and the frail care center the
establishmant of a formal legal entity became necessary and Father Charles
created the Father Charles Trust as an umbrella for Phumula. The Father Charles
Trust is recognised as a religious organisation and an NPO (Non Profit Organisation).
The Father Charles Trust is governed by the Board of Trustees with 5 Trustees.
The Chairperson of the Board is Eunice Thembi Mathe.
At present 50 elderly persons are living at Phumula of which 23 persons are taken
care of in the frail center and 10 elderly couples are living in the bungalows.
In total 22 persons are working full-time at Phumula including cleaning personnel
and gardeners.
About Us
Father Charles named the property which he developed on a farmland “Phumula”.
Phumula is a Zulu word and means relax, retire, rest - the right description for that
what he intended to do with the land.
Our Mission is manifested in the Gospel Matthew 25:34-36 which reads:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me,
I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
With the development of the old age home and the frail care center the
establishmant of a formal legal entity became necessary and Father Charles
created the Father Charles Trust as an umbrella for Phumula. The Father Charles
Trust is recognised as a religious organisation and an NPO (Non Profit Organisation).
The Father Charles Trust is governed by the Board of Trustees with 5 Trustees.
The Chairperson of the Board is Eunice Thembi Mathe.
At present 50 elderly persons are living at Phumula of which 23 persons are taken
care of in the frail center and 10 elderly couples are living in the bungalows.
In total 22 persons are working full-time at Phumula including cleaning personnel
and gardeners.
Directions to Phumula
The following coordinates will lead you directly to the entrace of Phumula:
25° 43’ 25.4’’ S, 28° 47’ 40.9’’ E
GPS -25.723710, 28.794695
Physical Address:
Portion 9, 490-JR Farm Modderfontein, Bronkhorstspruit
Telefon: 0027-13-932 2038
Chairperson of the Father Charles Trust:
eunice.mathe@phumula.org.za
Any queries w.r.t. the website to be directed to the
sitemanager@phumula.org.za
Directions to Phumula
The following coordinates will lead you directly to the entrace of Phumula:
25° 43’ 25.4’’ S, 28° 47’ 40.9’’ E
GPS -25.723710, 28.794695
Physical Address:
Portion 9, 490-JR Farm Modderfontein, Bronkhorstspruit
Telefon: 0027-13-932 2038
Chairperson of the Father Charles Trust:
eunice.mathe@phumula.org.za
Any queries w.r.t. the website to be directed to the
sitemanager@phumula.org.za