A long line of children, some as young as four years old, look up with innocent eyes and an empty bowl in their hands as they wait for a humble portion of food.
This is the tear-jerking reality for more than a hundred children living in poverty in Lwandle, where the only beacon of light is that of a soup kitchen which operates once a week.
They get their meal from a 63-year-old grandmother who initiated the soup kitchen during lockdown in 2020 to feed countless vulnerable children and senior citizens. Now, the humble initiative it has expanded and also assists children with necessary school stationery and after-hours care and support.
Mary Soldati, who is assisted by a few of her friends from the community, has formally registered the Siyazama Soup Kitchen as a non-profit organisation with the National Department of Social Development. Up to now she and her team of volunteers have used their own resources to fund and operate the soup kitchen, but the demand is growing as more and more children and senior citizens have come to rely on the food and support from the Siyazama Soup Kitchen.
“We noticed hungry children in the streets during lockdown and decided to do something about it,” Soldati says. “I love this community and its people, and nothing gives me more joy than helping others, sharing and showing kindness.
“Every day when I come home from work the kids run after me and wait at my gate for food, shouting ‘Makulu, Makulu!’ (meaning grandmother). It warms my heart that I can help.”
But owing to limited resources the soup kitchen operates only on Thursdays, as a lack of necessities does not allow her or her volunteers to provide meals more frequently.
“We want to make it more days,” Soldati declares, “because an additional day or two will make a world of difference to this community. Come rain or shine, we feed the kids.”
She dishes out meals from her home in Nonqubela Street once a week and tries as far as possible to make a different meal every week, whether it be sandwiches, soup, spaghetti or samp and beans.
The children, excited by the sight of a pot of food, scamper excitedly with outstretched arms, and show thanks and appreciation at every portion they receive. Says Soldati: “It’s a sad reality, and that is why we have taken this responsibility. And it is also why we appeal to the greater community to assist with any contributions and donations. Even clothes and school stationery will make a major impact on these children’s lives.”
- To get in touch with Soldati, phone 066 152 7992.
