A big-hearted mother in one of the most deprived areas in the city has worked tirelessly for the past two years to make sure children and job-seekers have something to eat before they start their day.
Mfuleni resident Siphokazi Dlisani, who runs Isipho Sabantu Community Kitchen, believes in the old adage Umntu ngumntu ngabantu – You are what you are because of others.
She has become a beacon of hope for many young and old people of Mfuleni.
When Vukani visited her on Saturday March 2, children were queuing for their meal. Talking to Vukani, she said: “You don’t turn your back on people in need, because one day you might be the one who needs those same people’s help. I do all this because I know what poverty is. My upbringing was never easy. I like to help people who are in situations that I have gone through.” she told Vukani.
Like any mother who has children, she started giving out food to the needy in 2022 when she met a crying child going to school. She could not turn away. “I was going to work. I saw this child wearing a school uniform crying, throwing empty drink bottles away. I asked why she was crying and throwing the empties away. She responded by saying, the shop where she normally sells them to have little money for food was still closed. So she will not have anything to eat. I was touched and gave her R5. From that day I thought of doing a soup kitchen for the poor.”
Senior citizens are also among those who queue for food at her home. They now call her the heroine of the area.
“I do not know how I do it but I do. It is only God’s grace that puts me here. Remember I started with the little money that I got from my part-time job. But I always managed to put food on the table for my children. It was never easy and even now it is not easy to look after people. But I think God has given this job. I am not getting a cent out of it. I sometimes ask for assistance on Facebook and other platforms. I must say, people have been good. My former employer has been excellent. He would bring his friends here to see what I do and they will assist with whatever they have,” she said.
Ms Dlisani also speaks to the youth about the dangers of drugs and crime; and donates clothes and sanitary pads to the girls. She preaches education and respect to them. She said the aim is to win young people back to the community. Her dream is to have people who can come to motivate Mfuleni’s youth once or twice a week.
“We have a problem in our hands. Children as young as 12 are on drugs. I would hate to judge them but it would be good to find out why. There are many challenges out there. Maybe they need love or are just kids who tried this thing out and could not get out,” she said.
She said her job is not easy. She has no car and has to pay extra for transport.
Sivuyile Mbarhu, who is unemployed and gets help from Ms Dlisani, called her a “Mother of the nation”.
He said Ms Dlisani has never ignored people on the streets. “The first day she came here with food we asked ourselves who this woman is. She was genuine when talking to us. She introduced herself and provided us with something to eat. I could not believe that she was feeding such grown ups. But until today she comes to the corner of Old Faure Road to feed us,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Ludwe Ngqayi said come rain or sunshine, Ms Dlisani is there to give them something to eat. “Hats off to that woman of stature. She has never judged us but fed us. Few people could do what she is doing. The filthy rich would never bother to look after us the way she does. I wish her the best of luck in what she is doing.”
Ms Dlisani is assisted by her two daughters, Siphesihle and Sibahle, and volunteer Yandisa Mtsewu in her job.
For help or to make a donation, call 082 676 8396.
