Incidents of suicide have occurred due to poverty, children and the elderly going hungry, people losing their jobs and households left destitute as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are just some of the reasons why the NGO and soup kitchen, Child, Youth and Community Foundation was established about a year ago, shortly after the implementation of the nationwide lockdown.
The foundation, which operates in the areas of Booysen Park and 7de Laan, caters for the needs of almost 400 needy residents, three times a week, and recently even spoiled the community with an Easter event, where they were treated with pickled fish, hot cross buns and sweet treats for the young ones.
They have also been handing out food parcels to these communities.
Co-founder and chairperson of the foundation, Samantha Jaftha, said that the idea to start the organisation came about when she was having a conversation with her husband, co-founder Margo Jaftha, and friends, including deputy chairperson, Shirlene Minnie, about the needs of the community that became so clear during the pandemic.
“We saw the needs of the community, where families live in poverty and don’t know where they will get their next meal from.
“During the start of the lockdown people were left without employment and therefore no income, which meant no food on the table. We therefore decided to see how we could assist,” Jaftha explained.
“People fell ill due to lack of nutrition and chronic patients lost their lives. There were even suicides that happened in our community. We therefore felt that it was our time to help the community and give back in any way that we can,” she added.
“Handing out food parcels, clothing and meals to the needy means that we at least try to help and ensure that the people have food in their tummies and clothing on their backs.
“When it comes to catering for our community, we also try to bring peace, as there is a lot of gang violence. Serving meals to all in need, no matter the background, ensures that they all come and get meals peacefully.
“Even if there are differences among them, there is respect for the children and elderly.”
She added that, although they have been receiving regular sponsorships, especially from Shosholoza Finance, Shoprite, Boxer and Jadeeds Bakery, finances remain tight.
“I am very grateful toward all our sponsors and appreciate everything that they do for us.
“Currently, we have no capital or cooking utensils and food to sustain and maintain our soup kitchen. We have to go from shop to shop and fruit and vegetable stands for donations toward our soup kitchen.
“Donations could help us continue to serve the community and even reach more areas to try to eliminate poverty and hunger within our communities.”
According to Jaftha, apart from helping the community with groceries and clothing, the organisation also invests in activities for the youth to keep them busy and off the streets.
This includes a planned soccer and netball tournament during the June holidays and a toiletries drive for both male and female youth.
“We would love to start with an aftercare and after-school centre where children can come to study and do homework after school, but we do not have the available resources or a proper establishment to do all that is needed to make this goal a success to help uplift our community,” Jaftha said.
- Anyone who would like to help the NGO in any way can contact Jaftha on 074 4834 271 or 084 4834 271 or send an e-mail to: margojaftha@gmail.com.
