The past 38 years up until COVID-19
After an unbroken period of 38-years of a magical and exciting communal event, things changed. For 38 years, the ONE to ONE DAY FAIR FOR THE INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED convened exclusively for those with an intellectual disability within the greater Cape Town community when social integration and togetherness were the main focus. The Covid-19 pandemic stopped that momentum in its tracks.
Social interaction was not possible
Instead of social interaction as a means of sharing and caring for those disabled, the focus had to Change. Social interaction was not possible and neither was exposure to entertainment provided by talented musicians and the like.
The regulations under which the pandemic was handled by the authorities necessitated separation curtailment and restriction of movement. This was in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus and to protect the most vulnerable within the community in particular, but everyone else too.
What we did
So what does a socially active organisation do in the meantime. Become dormant...or does it change its focus to meet the challenges of the time? In changing the focus it has kept up the concern and welfare of its core audience... those with an intellectual disability in focus.
In 2020, ONE to ONE mounted a campaign to provide essential health packs for the families of the disabled who would normally have enjoyed the excitement of “togetherness” with the community. Items such as sanitizers, water, soaps and food formed the core of packs prepared and distributed.
Read moreOur Philosophy
We want to show that the general community of greater Cape Town cares for, and wants to share with those less fortunate living within our own community. This tangible example that Cape Town cares for all!
Read moreGetting Involved
Get involved in ONE to ONE! Help us to assist those with an intellectual disability to interact with a caring society and experience in return their special excitement, enjoyment, tolerance and genuine appreciation for effort.
Read moreSend a Donation
This is a cross-communal event that requires your support. Send us your support through sponsorship to keep this magical and unique event going! All donations are now going to the essential health packs!
DonateIn previous years...
ONE to ONE Event in Cape Town
The constitution of the Republic of South Africa is very clear on the responsibilities we as citizens... individuals, corporate big or small have to our fellow citizens. Human rights and dignity for all with a strong bias towards social responsibility and up liftment of those previously disadvantaged are ideals to which we strive.
That there are fellow South Africans who were previously disadvantaged is not up for debate. That there are initiatives to address that is ongoing so that each one can have his/her place in the sun!
However there are also individuals who are permanently intellectually disabled, they through no fault of their own are the intellectually disadvantaged which society has “ forgotten” about. Whereas the previously disadvantaged can with help and assistance improve their lot and in time pay back to society the helping hand extended , it’s not so with the intellectually disabled. These are society's "forgotten" children.
Society has to care for and protect these vulnerable fellow citizens. To create an initiative to address the “forgotten”, the community of greater Cape Town has for the past 38 years staged a fun experience to afford the people with an intellectual disability ( + 3000 of whom participated in the 2019 event ) an interaction with “normal” society in an informal , relaxed atmosphere. Called the ONE to ONE DAY FAIR this event “twins” volunteer “friends” with the intellectually disabled ( on a one to one basis ) to share and enjoy the delights of the fun fair (game stalls and live entertainment ).. staged by community, service, school and student bodies . In a very special way it is the intellectually disabled who have a unique ability to impart to society qualities of humility and appreciation.. and tolerance one for the other.
The event is free with the participating organisations from across greater Cape Town contributing towards the costs. A number of sponsors assist to that end but more are invited to consider “coming to the party “. (The event in 2019 cost R 410,000.00 to convene !).
The ONE to ONE DAY FAIR is an NPO & PBO registered organisation.
ONE to ONE is a collaborative project between all the public spirited community based organisations as listed as well as the Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability. The Forum, the umbrella body for facilities caring for those with an intellectual disability liaises with and invites facilities to the event and manages them whilst they are there. Visit the Forum’s site at www.wcfid.co.za
ONE to ONE has been held annually in Cape Town since 1981. It is an ever-growing event where one can get involved and make a real difference in the lives of those with an intellectual disability.
One's involvement can be as 1) stall holder, 2) a “friend” or 3) as a sponsor to assist in making this event a huge success.
More and more participating organisations are getting involved and they come from all corners of the Cape Town community. It’s a tangible and sincere display of caring; one that the disabled community undoubtedly appreciate.
View list of 2019 participantsView previous years participants here:
View list of 2013 participants | View list of 2014 participants | View list of 2015 participants | View list of 2016 participants | View list of 2017 participants | View list of 2018 participants
Doing Good. A Challenge.
As established as ONE to ONE has become, on the communal “to do and be part of” list, the challenge to stage the event is finding a suitable sheltered venue. What is important is accessibility as well as size to house +- 8000 people who make the magic happen!
In the centre of Cape Town, one of the only venues that addresses those needs is the covered parking area of the Cape Town Stadium.
Our interaction with management of the stadium was most positive and cordial in a collective effort to “make it happen“.
To provide a suitable venue that can comfortably house in excess of 3000 intellectually disabled , a similar number of volunteer “ friends , and stall holders and those working at the stalls plus those providing entertainment numbering apprx 8000 people is a challenge to which the City of Cape Town has risen repeatedly over the 38 years of the running of ONE to ONE. The earlier years witnessed the event being held at the Good Hope Centre and of late in the parking area of the Cape Town Stadium . The ONE to ONE organisers have formed a cordial partnership .The benefits accruing to the city speak volumes of its commitment of enhancing its social responsibility to a clear indication of a city that cares for all. In size and scope ONE to ONE is unique to Cape Town within the Republic of South Africa
In the centre of Cape Town, one of the only venues that addresses those needs is the covered parking area of the Cape Town Stadium.
Our interaction with management of the stadium was most positive and cordial in a collective effort to “make it happen“.
One to One is a Public Spirited Event Epitomising Social Responsibility.
The project has been held annually for 38 years.
Having experienced the magic when one was at school or college, the 3 simple words of the name mentioned ie ONE to ONE kindles a desire to be part that magic again and again!
ONE to ONE is a communal expression of bonding within the Cape Town community and takes the form of a fun fair replete fun and games stalls as well as live entertainment to create an relaxed environment in which to interact with some of fellow citizens of Cape Town who have an intellectual disability in a day of fun,excitement and enjoyment. It is a registered NPO and PBO with objectives in line with those as contained in the constitution of the Republic of South Africa in enhancing human rights and dignity of the disabled . The goal of the fair is to respect, protect and promote the rights and wellbeing of those with an intellectual disability
Service, social, school and college organisations within greater Cape Town pool their resources and enthusiasm to afford the disabled an opportunity interaction like no other. Involvement takes the form of running a stall , being a volunteer ”friend” to share the excitement , or providing live entertainment . ONE to ONE whilst exclusively arranged for the intellectually disabled is free. The participating stall holders and sponsors like the City of Cape Town assist in meeting the considerable costs involved ( In 2019 that amounted to R 450,000.00 )
We acknowledge and thank:
Paul Zuckerman for his back up assistance in arranging the magical day
David Raphael for his support and assistance
Ilonka Gray ,Steve Sherman, Irvin of Van Kalker Photography for photos
Andrew Emdon of Emdon Videos for videography
And those who provided toe-tapping entertainment …including ;
Stavro Michel and his assistant Steve our DJ
Fairmont Drummies and the bands of:
Herzlia High School
St Cyprians Marimba Band
Groote Schuur High School
Wynberg Junior School
South Peninsula High School
and Gabriella Rashika Weiner of afrosapiens for arranging singers and magicians.