54 Years for Little Eden and a New Residential Wing

The opening of Mary’s Mill residential wing coincides with Little Eden’s 54^th anniversary

Excitement filled the air at Little Eden Society as a small group gathered to officially open a new residential wing, Mary’s Mill, on Friday 14 May 2021.

The 26-bedroom new residential wing at Little Eden, Elvira Rota Village (ERV) in Bapsfontein, is part of phase one of the major building project which commenced late last year. The first part of the ceremony was Holy Mass that took place at the Society’s Chapel, celebrated by His Grace,  Archbishop Dabula Mpako. The second session entailed the unveiling of the plaque, cutting of the ribbon and a tour of the new building.

Among the guests, were family members of the late Founders of Little Eden Society, The Servants of God, Danny and Domitilla Hyams, Little Eden Honorary Lifetime President, Lucy Slaviero, members of the Little Eden Board of Governors represented by Luigi Slaviero, members of the professional building team, family members of Little Eden residents and some donors.

With grateful thanks to the anonymous international funder, the new modern designed wing, will add value to the lives of the Little Eden residents who will soon move into this tranquil space.

In light of Little Eden’s 54^th year celebration this month, the successful opening of Mary’s Mill is a significant achievement in the Society’s milestone celebration. The name Mary’s Mill was derived from the concept of how working at a mill requires hard labour, commitment and gives the idea of a “hands on” experience of the “daily grind” that benefits the community, such as that offered by Little Eden. It is also an acknowledgement of the great devotion that Founders, Domitilla and Danny Hyams had to Mother Mary. One of the residents, Candy Birch, took the opportunity to express her to gratitude for having a home at Little Eden.

All Covid-19 precautionary rules were adhered to, with residents having learnt the “new normal” way of greeting as they cheered on and later demonstrated their gratitude through a song.

For more information about Little Eden and how you can assist in caring for the 300 residents at the Society, please contact PR & Communications Co-Ordinator, Rethabile Lechela, on 011 609 7246 or