With a heart of gold and a passion for helping others, Sheradia Brown (63) has spent the past decade ensuring vulnerable people in Salt River feel seen, supported and never go hungry.
Her tireless community work has earned her a fitting nickname: the “Mayor of Salt River.”
Brown said growing up in a single-parent household gave her first-hand insight into the daily struggle of trying to make ends meet.
“My mother was a single parent and sometimes we had sometimes we didn’t have. When I got older, I always thought about people on the street. I started feeding people from my house. In the morning I fed them porridge.”
She explained that a few years ago; while working as a caterer, she decided to host a Christmas lunch for homeless people, a gesture that sparked her passion for helping vulnerable members of the community.
“I had had leftover food, so I decided to give people living on the street a Christmas lunch. I spent my Christmas with them. I saw one man looking at his food and he was crying. He told me the food reminded him of his mother’s house.”
Community impact
Brown now works at an organisation called Youth Solutions Africa, where she continues her mission of uplifting vulnerable people
The organisation provides skills training and temporary shelter to help people rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
“At the youth centre each year we celebrate Christmas with the homeless people. I have a passion for people. I don’t like them getting hurt and I don’t like people to go hungry.”
Brown said despite caring for the husband who has cancer, God gives her the strength to continue helping others.
“My husband is a stage four cancer patient. And I have four foster children. Some days are not easy but by the grace of God each day he gives me the strength and the wisdom to continue. It makes me feel happy that there are people who appreciate what you do for them.”
Life changed
One of Brown’s most touching success stories began eight years ago when she met a homeless mother struggling to care for her 13-day-old baby girl.
Unable to turn away, Brown stepped in to help, and the child has been living with her ever since.
“She is now 8 years old, it’s like she is my own child. She calls my husband her grandfather. I always remind her that she has a biological mother, I am just a woman taking care of her.”
Yusuf Mohamed of Ward 57 said Brown has a “genuine heart” for the community.
“Aunty Radia is not just an asset to the community of Salt River, but a shining example of the spirit of what Cape Town is. Feeding the needy. Fostering kids.
“Cleaning the community. Standing up to criminals. Assisting with homework. Her spirit of always having the attitude of “yes I can help” makes her truly her brother’s keeper.”
Brown believes compassion costs nothing and says people should treat others with kindness, regardless of their circumstances.
“Just show love and don’t be cruel to people. You don’t know where your life will end up. Today you could have everything and tomorrow you can find yourself on the street. Be a helpful person. You don’t need to have money. Just show love.”
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