Youngsters who run the uBuntu Bethu soup kitchen in Samora Machel have come up with innovative ways of taking their services to their clients.
They now use brand new bicycles donated to them by Kltsha Cycle.
The organisation feeds more than 250 poor residents of Samora Machel and also helps fetch medication from health facilities for elderly patients.
The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, however, has created some challenges for those involved in the programme.
In response to the needs and challenges of these young adults, Kltsha Cycle donated six bicycles to help them with their operations.
From Monday to Friday, the bicycles will be used to deliver medication and foods to those who are home-based and cannot move.
Chairman and co-founder of the organisation Mzikayise Nzuzo said the delays in delivery of food and meditation are now a thing of the past. “The programme is crucial to the residents of Samora, especially those who are housebound and cannot walk. We make sure that we cook for them and deliver soup to their doorsteps,” he said.
“But we do not end there. We have negotiated with health facilities here to fetch medication for the seniors and deliver it.
“With these bicycles, all of that will be easy. Together with members of this organisation, I am delighted with the donation of the bicycles.”
He added that the bicycles would also help another programme called Samora Machel Can and thanked the donors for giving them the bicycles.
Co-founder of uBuntu Bethu, Nokubonga Mepeni said the bicycles would be of great help to their 75 volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure seniors in the community get their medication – and something to eat.
“It is encouraging when organisations are helping each other. We thanked those who help others. May they grow from strength to strength,” she said.