Habonim Dror Southern Africa

With exciting new facilities on the campsite and aims to create a self-sustaining project, the Habonim Foundation is moving into an exciting new phase to secure the long-term, financial independence of South Africa’s largest Jewish, Zionist youth movement.

In 2004, Habonim had firmly cemented itself as the pioneering Jewish youth movement in South Africa. Habonim’s growth, however, also meant rising expenses and subsidies for campers. The movement faced financial uncertainty and the status quo was deemed unsustainable by movement leadership. The Habonim Dror Foundation was established to transform the movement’s financial instablilty into eventual sustainability. The foundation aims to achieve financial independence and long-term self-sustainability in the movement, through developing the Habonim campsite in Onrus. This, in turn, will generate regular revenue for the movement.

Achievements of Campsite Development Project
Phase one of the campsite development included the refurbishment of the main kikar (square) grass field, modern ablution blocks for Shtilim and Sollelim, two new chadrei ochel (dining room) structures and the now famous Shtilim cabins. The cabins, now an established camping facility for schools and groups, provide a continuous source of income for the movement and provide our youngest campers in December with a comfortable three-week machaneh.
Latest Developments
In 2009, the second phase of the campsite development known as the 'Docsville Project’ began. This new development was designed as a means to generate profit that would help fund future Habonim subsidies and gap year programmes in Israel. The Docsville Project has seen the development of a new conference facility that is used as a hospital during our December machaneh as well as the construction of 20 modern bungalow units, each fitted with an en-suite bathroom and self-catering facilities. We are currently fundraising in order to complete the final construction stage of Docsville. The old Docsville buildings have now been demolished to make room for the final two modern units.
What Comes Next?
Once all major construction is complete, each unit will be furnished with new linen, décor and furniture. Preparation for this has already begun and we aim to have the Docsville facility fully operational as soon as possible. We appreciate the help and support of our parents, donors and chaverim to ensure that we remain financially self-sustaining and independent as we continue to grow as the largest Jewish, Zionist youth movement in South Africa.