By Nomfundo Mbatha
The morning began with voices raised in song. Seminarians stood hand in hand, praying and singing not out of abundance, but out of love. There was no fancy hall or grand feast; it was just a small, humble setup with big hearts ready to serve. They opened their arms to the community. Someone said with a smile, “Let’s eat and be merry.” It was not just about food; it was about creating joy where it was needed most.
What started as a humble act of service has grown into a lifeline for many in the Makhanda community.
“We are gathered here because of the collective effort of the community of the College of the Transfiguration,” said Tlhompho Makgolo, Chairperson and President of the Student Intervention Council. “Our mission is not just to preach the Word, but to live it.”
Inspired by the rhythm of St. Benedict, a balance of work, prayer, and community, the college’s students launched the soup kitchen as part of their outreach to the marginalised, especially those “less recognised by the hierarchies of our society.”
With no outside funding, the students dug deep into their pockets to make it happen. “We do not get any funding from the municipality or stakeholders,” Makgolo explained. “So, it is only us. We did that in the mission to ensure that the gift of offering comes deeply from our hearts.”
And it was not just about food. It was about dignity.
“There is no greater impact than waking up in the morning and, before it is even 10 o’clock, seeing a person who might have slept without a meal and now they smile,” he added. “That smile is everything.”
Despite facing challenges sourcing ingredients and resources, the student’s resilience and commitment turned the shortage into a sacred service. In a town where food insecurity remains an urgent crisis, this soup kitchen reminds us of what is possible when faith, heart, and action come together.
So next time you hear the phrase, “let’s eat and be merry,” know that somewhere in Makhanda, that joy is being served one meal, one prayer, and one act of love at a time.
