The frustration of sitting idle spurred three unemployed women from the South African National Tuberculosis Association (Santa) to make a difference in their poverty- stricken community.
The women – Funeka Qhutywa, Nosisana Ntoyani and Thobeka Mayatula – are unemployed and rely on social grants to care for their own families – but spend a portion of it to help other needy residents.
Each week, using ingredients bought with grant money and from donations, the women feed up to 50 hungry residents.
The group started with 10 women, but the number dwindled because some found jobs while the financial pressure on others was too great.
Qhutywa, 48, a single mother of three, said although she battled herself, she needed to invest the little she had for a greater cause.
“Being unemployed has made me realise it doesn’t mean I can’t do anything or invest in my community by cooking for those who are ill and for children with absent parents.
“Those who are often blessed the most are those who take out of nothing and make something.”
Ntoyani, 67, said she jumped at the opportunity to show others that you do not have to be rich to make a difference.
“My grant pays school fees and supports my whole family, but that does not mean I cannot help other people who do not have the strength I have and do not have the means to get food.
“What is R100 a month to help little helpless souls and sick elderly folk who cannot cook for themselves, because they need to take their treatment.”
The three cook for the community on Tuesday and Wednesday at the First Samuel Ministry Church at the west wing of the township and cook at the community hall on the east side on Thursdays and Fridays.
Mayatula, 56, said after assessing the situation of the township, they had decided to reach out to everyone.
“We don’t want to be blamed for being selective, so we go to various parts of the township and have been supported by the pastor of the church, who has often donated to our charity since we started in May last year.
“He often allows us to pick fresh vegetables from his vegetable garden.”
Mayatula said the councillor had also been supportive because he allowed them to use the community hall.
Mkhuseli Kweza, 37, who is unemployed and looks forward to the soup kitchen when it is in his neighbourhood, said it was highly appreciated.
Thembeka Pono, 50, said relief to the poverty-stricken community had come with the soup kitchen.
“I often offer my services to help them serve or cook because there’s nothing else I can give them for feeding me and doing such a wonderful job.
“When we cannot put food on the table for our children, we know they will provide.”
The group of three pleaded for any assistance that could help them run the soup kitchen daily. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Jobless women run soup kitchen
The women – Funeka Qhutywa, Nosisana Ntoyani and Thobeka Mayatula – are unemployed and rely on social grants to care for their own families – but spend a portion of it to help other needy residents.
Each week, using ingredients bought with grant money and from donations, the women feed up to 50 hungry residents.
The group started with 10 women, but the number dwindled because some found jobs while the financial pressure on others was too great.
Qhutywa, 48, a single mother of three, said although she battled herself, she needed to invest the little she had for a greater cause.
“Being unemployed has made me realise it doesn’t mean I can’t do anything or invest in my community by cooking for those who are ill and for children with absent parents.
“Those who are often blessed the most are those who take out of nothing and make something.”
Ntoyani, 67, said she jumped at the opportunity to show others that you do not have to be rich to make a difference.
“My grant pays school fees and supports my whole family, but that does not mean I cannot help other people who do not have the strength I have and do not have the means to get food.
“What is R100 a month to help little helpless souls and sick elderly folk who cannot cook for themselves, because they need to take their treatment.”
The three cook for the community on Tuesday and Wednesday at the First Samuel Ministry Church at the west wing of the township and cook at the community hall on the east side on Thursdays and Fridays.
Mayatula, 56, said after assessing the situation of the township, they had decided to reach out to everyone.
“We don’t want to be blamed for being selective, so we go to various parts of the township and have been supported by the pastor of the church, who has often donated to our charity since we started in May last year.
“He often allows us to pick fresh vegetables from his vegetable garden.”
Mayatula said the councillor had also been supportive because he allowed them to use the community hall.
Mkhuseli Kweza, 37, who is unemployed and looks forward to the soup kitchen when it is in his neighbourhood, said it was highly appreciated.
Thembeka Pono, 50, said relief to the poverty-stricken community had come with the soup kitchen.
“I often offer my services to help them serve or cook because there’s nothing else I can give them for feeding me and doing such a wonderful job.
“When we cannot put food on the table for our children, we know they will provide.”
The group of three pleaded for any assistance that could help them run the soup kitchen daily. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
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