Local soup kitchen shares food for thought

According to the South African government, Human Rights Day which is commemorated on 21 March aims to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that paved the way to democracy. As part of a four-part series that explores human rights, the Northglen News chats to two north Durban residents who are striving to uphold the right to food.

MOUNT MORIAH resident, Mumtaz Farak serves food every Tuesday from her doorstep. Public benefit organisation, Singakwazi Aid which was founded by Glenhills resident, Pete Graham, has been working alongside Mumtaz since 2016 when she moved into the area.

“Food is very definitely on the list of human rights declared by the United Nations.

This is one of four soup kitchens that we support because there is no access to food,” said Graham.

Mumtaz, who started her humanitarian work in 2005 when she lived in Phoenix, serves about 120 people who visit the soup kitchen each week.

“I cook soup or porridge every Tuesday and we give out sandwiches and fruit on Friday’s which comes from Singakwazi Aid. In between, I prepare sandwiches for the children as well. In this area, we do have a desperate need, especially now with the school’s closed, there is a greater need with the children being at home,” she said.

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For some families in the area, the soup kitchen offers a vital lifeline.

“There are families that I call on Tuesdays and they come and fill up their tupperwares and that is the only food they have-they depend on it,” said Mumtaz.

She has taken on a maternal role in providing for the children in the neighbourhood.

“Every child in the area is as good as my own child. I have children that come here when the soup kitchen isn’t open and they tell me they are hungry. If there’s nothing prepared, I will take time to prepare a meal,” she said.

Serving despite her struggles

While her work is inspired by the struggles she sees in her community, Mumtaz is battling a disability herself.

“I have a spinal condition. There’s a cyst growing on my spine and the lower part of my spine is damaged. I was supposed to go for surgery, but the doctors couldn’t guarantee that I’d be able to walk, so I wear spinal corsets and I use crutches. I end up paralysed from time to time,” she said.

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Not only is food a basic human right, but it is essential for those with life threatening illnesses and the Covid-19 outbreak poses a threat to those with compromised immune systems said Graham.

“Covid-19 attacks the young, the elderly and those with immune deficiencies. Those are often people who are on medication for TB or HIV. Those people cannot take their medication on an empty stomach. It’s going to become a humanitarian disaster when Covid-19 lands up in impoverished areas,” he added. 

Graham, who supplies the soup kitchen with the food and gas to keep the soup pots boiling, said the PBO is in dire need of donations to keep their doors open in the uncertain times ahead.

For more information, email Gaylene Carlisle via gaylene@singakwaziaid.org.za.

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