It is just after noon on a hot Wednesday, and Zandile Yeko, from KTC, is uncertain what to feed her starving four-year-old grandson.
In the midst of her dilemma, she recalls that there were good Samaritans feeding people at Lukhanyo Educare Centre.
As she makes her way to the centre, she is not sure whether they will be in a position to feed them again. Ms Yeko cannot recall when last they had a decent meal.
The unemployed mother shares the house with her grandson who she has raised since he was just a few months old.
She is grateful for all the help she can get. Fortunately, for them, the centre is up and running and needy people from the community are being fed. “They came at the right time, especially today. My grandson had just told me that he is hungry. I was in trouble because I have nothing at home. I live on few cents that I normally get after doing washing for people around here,” said Ms Yeko. “But the bones are now refusing (to work). I have not been out to look for work. The other problem is that I do not qualify for pension.”
Her only hope in times of difficulty is the food at the Lukhanyo Educare Centre.
She joins scores of other needy families for food outside the centre on a regular basis. The project is spearheaded by the KTC Christian Centre.
They distribute food to needy people every Wednesday.
Ms Yeko’s plight is not unique in the township. “There are many of us who have nothing. This kills my spirit because I do not even know the whereabouts of my grandson’s mother.
“She came and dropped him with me. All I pray for is for God to give these people more strength and power to feed us. I pray that they do not stop now, especially because I am not well. For those who have nothing, this means a lot,” she told Vukani.
Pastor Eric Sipezi from the church said they conduct their service at the centre, and they could see how people suffered.
“There are also times when we go door to door. We thought why not feed them spiritually and with food. Most importantly, these people have nothing, not even a slice of bread. God showed them to us. So it was for us to do what is good for the almighty,” said Mr Sipezi.
He said church members clubbed together to buy food.
Inside the packed venue on Wednesday last week, February 1, people murmured in appreciation.
Enthusiastic church members smiled as they handed out the food. Mr Sipezi said he hoped that the project would continue for a long time.
“For as long as He (God) is willing, this will continue. The aim is to change people’s lives. We are not only preaching the gospel to them.
“They also need to be in good health. The aim is to change the area.
“We give them a (spiritual) home, encourage them to apply for jobs, those who can. And that God cares for them too. We give them such hope,” he said.
He praised Mzoli Ngcauzele for supporting them.
He said the well-known businessman has time and again gave them food items.