McAllister family brought The Hamlet Foundation to Johannesburg South to help those in need

The Hamlet Foundation marks 70 years as a ‘Place of Hope’ for intellectually disabled in Joburg South

For over seven decades, The Hamlet Foundation in Johannesburg South has stood as a place of hope for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing education, training, and residential care since its establishment in 1954.

Founded in 1954 by a group of parents whose children had been excluded from mainstream schooling, The Hamlet was built on the principle of giving the most vulnerable in society a home and the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.

Mr James McAllister came to South Africa from Scotland in 1955 as a clothing connoisseur, owning his own agency that sold quality ties and women’s scarves.

The McAllister family consisted of James McAllister Senior, Norah McAllister, James McAllister Junior, Sharon Marsay (néé McAllister), William McAllister and Ann McAllister.

The reason the family was involved with the foundation was originally that William McAllister had a learning disability and required special education.

William then began attending the Hamlet School in Houghton.

Eventually, James McAllister decided that Hamlet should be more accessible and grew the Hamlet into a foundation along with Mr Maurice Schwartz.

William McAllister became the first resident of the Hamlet Foundation.

In 1980, the foundation’s two training centres at Parktown and Klipriviersberg were then catering for over 250 children, while an additional 50 young adults were receiving training in its workshops.

A piece of land was then purchased in the same year on 158 North Road, Regents Park, which is where the Hamlet has been thriving since then.

The foundation has since expanded to include residential centres housing 60 adults, a protective workshop utilising assembly and packaging work, and a stimulation centre offering crafts, dance, and creative activities for those unable to join the workshop.

Built on the philosophy of developing the most vulnerable to their full potential, The Hamlet Foundation operates regardless of race and serves communities across the economic spectrum, including the poorest.

While partially subsidised by the government, it relies heavily on corporate support, donations, and public contributions to meet its budget needs.

The organisation also partners with local schools and businesses for skills development.

Sharon Marsay, the daughter of JT McAllister, remains an active board member today, continuing her family’s legacy of advocacy and support for people with disabilities.

Although the foundation relies heavily on sponsorships and donations to operate, its growth was supported by government subsidies from the Department of National Education for training and from the Department of Health, Welfare and Pensions for its workshops. McAllister described this as invaluable to maintaining skilled staff and quality production.

Plans have also been underway to improve facilities, including upgrades to living facilities and other infrastructure. These improvements have all been overseen by Segri Subrumuny, the CEO of the Hamlet Foundation.

Today, the Hamlet Foundation remains a comprehensive institution in Johannesburg South, offering education, residential care and a protective workshop employing people.

The McAllister family’s commitment continues through Sharon Marsay, James and Norah McAllister’s daughter, who serves as a board member, upholding the family’s legacy of supporting people with disabilities.

”We were taught by my parents that God chose our family to have William. It has been my greatest blessing to be part of the Hamlet family. I have learned so much from the residents,” said Sharon.