Thembisa community leader opens soup kitchen to support vulnerable residents

Known in Thembisa for his community advocacy work, Thulani Skhwinyane has extended his service beyond public platforms by opening his home to residents through a newly established soup kitchen.

Skhwinyane, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the Thembisa Community Forum, started the initiative after noticing the amount of food that often goes to waste and recognising the need for additional support within the community.

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With schools closed for the holidays and winter temperatures affecting vulnerable residents, he decided to focus on providing warm meals, particularly for children who rely heavily on school nutrition programmes during the academic term.

“It’s school holidays and the season for soup, so I just said let me do something for the young ones because I know it will help.

“My inspiration stems from my surroundings, especially the guys at Aromat. It touched me and the children who are mostly dependent on the School Nutrition Scheme since schools are closed,” said Skhwinyane.

He said his involvement in serving the community over the past five years has given him a deeper understanding of the challenges residents face, particularly those who are often overlooked.

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“The response was overwhelming, especially from my guys who reside at Aromat, who many people have given names to and forgotten about,” he said.

Skhwinyane believes community challenges such as hunger and malnutrition require collective action and a return to the spirit of Ubuntu.

“If we can join hands, put away politics and concentrate on ourselves, we can rebuild what we have lost — Ubuntu. Malnutrition is not my business alone; it is a community issue. We need to take care of each other because it does not only affect one person; it affects all of us,” he said.

His commitment to supporting vulnerable residents extends beyond the soup kitchen. Skhwinyane regularly engages with residents at Aromat, encouraging them to keep their surroundings clean while reminding them that they are not forgotten.

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“I always make an example to the men at that Aromat corner. We have capable human beings there, but it depends on how we treat them. A week does not end without me visiting them and asking them to clean that dump. They will do it, but I also have to show them that they are not forgotten,” he said.

He added that he assists where he can by providing items such as clothing and other support to those in need.

Skhwinyane said the soup kitchen initiative has been made possible through the support of his family and friends, who have encouraged him to continue with the project.

On June 12, he served meals to children in his area, with the response exceeding his expectations.

Although he did not have an exact number of beneficiaries, he said the size of the turnout was clear when the large pot of soup was finished within minutes.

“I have received support from a very good friend of mine and my family, so we will continue to serve the community,” he said.

Residents interested in supporting the initiative or participating in future soup kitchen events can contact Skhwinyane directly. Details regarding future dates and times will be shared through community notices.