Tongaat’s Missions Ablaze NPO hits momentous 30-year milestone

Tongaat’s Missions Ablaze NPO has distributed a staggering 78.9-million meals to an estimated 3.6-million people over its 30 years of operation.

The organisation currently provides over 2 500 meals daily through its soup kitchens and steps in with clothing, blanket and stationery distribution across Tongaat and surrounding communities when donations allow. It celebrated its 30th anniversary on June 1, marking three decades of impact along the North Coast.

Missions Ablaze began on a dusty construction site in Matchana, Empangeni, where founder Tinus Lindeque received a vision while building a church. He saw an eagle rising above a cross, accompanied by the simple but powerful message, “we feed the poor.”

After several years of moving between locations, the organisation eventually settled on a fittingly named piece of land near Tongaat – Eagle’s Rise.

In the early days, the team faced many challenges. Eight missionaries used two kombis to deliver 300 meals a day, often scraping together fuel and food through faith and the generosity of well-timed donors.

“Support came from unexpected places. Dr Conrad Mershon and Robin Read, both from Georgia, USA, brought a team of 50 volunteers and breathed momentum into the young ministry,” said Tinus.

The organisation has since grown into a major support hub, partnering with retailers and churches to expand its reach. Missions Ablaze played a vital role in feeding and supporting communities during the KZN riots, floods, the Tongaat tornado and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gerda Kaljee, a volunteer from the NG Kerk in Ballito, said she was most impressed by Missions Ablaze’s consistency.

“Many organisations do fantastic work in the first days and weeks following a disaster, but the need extends far beyond that time. Missions Ablaze has been on the ground every day for decades,” she said.

The Section 18A-registered organisation is always in need of support, whether through monetary, food or clothing donations, or volunteer time.

Visit missionsablaze.org.za to find out more.

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