THE Seventh Day Adventist Church, headquartered in Gqeberha, recently concluded an impactful outreach programme in Zihlahleni, aimed at combating poverty and malnutrition in the Eastern Cape.
The event, which took place at Moko Stadium, was part of the church’s broader initiative to support the Eastern Cape Government’s efforts in addressing these critical issues.
The Pathfinder Fair, organised by the youth ministry of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, saw the participation of approximately 3000 children aged 10 to 15 years and 200 adults, totalling an estimated 3200 attendees. The church’s Tabisa Mayaba said the primary objective of the camp was “to further the gospel kingdom by equipping the children with both spiritual and practical lessons and tools they need in these last days of earth history.” The event featured a variety of activities, including drilling and marching, centipede relay, first aid relay and stretcher race, semaphore and drumline.
“The key objective of the outreach was to save children from sin and guide them into service within their communities. This initiative was based on the findings of the Human Rights Commission inquiry held in August 2022, which highlighted a substantial percentage of children in the Eastern Cape suffering from various forms of malnutrition.” In response, the church, led by Youth Director, Pastor Shalom Tyutyu, and assisted by Vice Chairpersons for Community Services, Tabisa Mayaba, Ntombomzi Mkohlo, and Phathiswa Mbedu, decided to engage in this outreach as a way of enacting positive social change in the community of Zihlahleni.
The church provided a five-month supply of Unity Meal instant high-protein porridge to the identified malnourished children in the area. Chief Nokwandisa Kama played a significant role in supporting this initiative by organising 20 food parcels from the Meals on Wheels organisation for families with malnourished children. Additionally, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) donated seedlings to 75 households to promote food gardening, Old Mutual donated sanitary towels to 35 female learners, and the National Development Agency (NDA) donated high-protein porridge to 20 malnourished children.
Data for identifying the affected households was requested from two local clinics, ensuring that the assistance reached those most in need. In a bid to further support the community, the church also donated six walkie-talkies to fight crime. These walkie-talkies, within a 5km radius, will be given to specific households to facilitate quick communication and gathering in case of suspicious activities.
“The Seventh Day Adventist Church’s outreach programme in Zihlahleni has not only provided immediate relief to those in need but has also laid the groundwork for sustainable community development. The church’s efforts in distributing food, promoting hygiene, and enhancing community safety have been widely appreciated and are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the lives of the residents,” Mayaba concluded.
