By Siyanda Zinyanga and Nomfundo Mbatha
Despite facing financial challenges themselves, members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rhini, based at 16 Wood Street, continue to run a community nourishment hub that serves over 1000 cooked meals each month to people from impoverished homes.
The soup kitchen, established in 1993 by Thembeka Nosilela and Irene Mpehlo, has become a pillar of support in the Joza community. According to Hobolongwana Sondezwa, who has been supervising the project since 2000, the initiative is derived from having a genuine love for people and a desire to make a positive impact on those living below the poverty line.
The project receives some assistance from ‘Meals on Wheels’, and provides cooked meals every Thursday – usually samp and cabbage, lightly seasoned with Knorrox and salt. Despite their own hardships, church elders and members regularly contribute to purchasing the necessary supplies to keep the kitchen running.
Beyond the soup kitchen, the church also manages other community-focused initiatives. On Thursdays, community enrollees receive meals alongside access to gently used clothing donated by church members and external donors. However, Sondezwa highlighted a recurring issue – most clothing donations are for women, leaving a shortage of suitable garments for men.
The church also facilitates educational retreats on Saturdays for Junior Academy learners. These sessions are led by Rhodes University regents and high school students who volunteer their time to support the programme.
Each Thursday, more than 50 people queue patiently for what may be their only meal of the day. Many express deep appreciation for the church’s consistent efforts to uplift the community and alleviate their burdens.
Making a difference doesn’t require millions of rands – just passion and a commitment to Ubuntu, to making the world a better place for all.
