A Mfuleni businesswoman Pumla Milisi halted everything on Thursday 18 September and dedicated her time to the job seekers along Old Faure Road near her neighbourhood.
Milisi, the owner of Eminam Construction, opted to put a smile on the faces of 32 men who patiently waited next to the busy road to get work by giving them food parcels.
She told City Vision that she has a good relationship with them and previously gave them stuff. She said they are always reminding her of their living conditions.
Milisi said she worked very hard to be where she is today.
“I grew up in a poor family. We were struggling a lot and my mother used to make plans for us to eat. And that taught me how to share. When I look at these men, I become so emotional because I know what they are going through,” said Milisi.
She said she normally visits them and offer food.
“I have a construction and catering company. Sometimes when I have a tender for catering and maybe come back with food I go there and give it to them. Or when I need extra people to work for my construction company I go there and take some of the people,” she explained, adding that she started donating food and working with the group in 2012.
Milisi said she wishes she can cook for them daily. She appealed to their wives not to be harsh on them, but to support them regularly.
Milisi stressed that she donates the food parcels as a gesture of kindness.
One of the beneficiaries Mike Nkobothwane from SST informal settlement in Town Two, expressed his gratitude to Milisi. He said the food parcel came at the right time.
Nkobothwane has been a jobseeker for over three years. “The food parcel will make a big difference because I have nothing in the cupboard. Every morning, I come here in search of work. Sometimes I complete a week without a job. We appreciate what Sisi Pumla does for us,” said Nkobothwane.
