The dire sight of hungry children begging for food in Nomzamo every weekend is one that prompted Lazola Maqungo to initiate a soup kitchen. Yet the need is massive and every little bit of help is set to go a long way.
Maqungo, who used to live in Nomzamo, but has since moved to Eerste River, still comes around to the area, especially over weekends, as he works part-time as an e-hailing service driver to earn extra cash.
“Every time I pass the township a little bit of my heart breaks,” he said. “The fact is, many parents indulge in alcohol, and children are often left to fend for themselves for sustenance. It’s a sad situation that is evident on a weekly basis.
“The kids are fed mostly during the week at school, but weekends and during holidays there are many hungry tummies roaming around.”
Maqungo added he could not bear to stand idly by and watch.
“I decided to do something about it; I wanted to encourage the community to step-up because together we can take better care of our children. We have to, as they are our future leaders. Together with some friends we organised soup and bread, and hosted a soup kitchen during March.
“The need is so great, and I would like to see others contribute to ensure no-one is left behind. We focused our efforts in Solly’s Town informal settlement, where at least 175 kids were fed, and even many parents came too. I want to do this more often but I just don’t have the funds.”
He appealed to the greater community to lend a hand at the next soup kitchen or contribute towards purchasing bread and other food items for distribution.
“I also want to encourage others to do the same in other disadvantaged areas, and I want to encourage parents to take responsibility. Our children deserve to be better looked after and it’s up to us to ensure this.”
. To get it touch with Maqungo about lending a hand, phone 081 024 1750 or email riffue@outlook.com.
