Randburg Methodist Church does more than 67 minutes

For a few places, giving back to the community is an ongoing endeavour and the Randburg Methodist Church in Blairgowrie is one such establishment. According to Susan van der Riet, their soup kitchen was established in 1993 and has been serving meals to the homeless twice a week since. They currently serve soup, bread and fruit every Monday and Friday at 11am sharp. Sadly, it seems many of the other soup kitchens in the area have closed, leaving Randburg Methodist to manage alone. The Friday closest to 16 December is when the Church hosts its Christmas party. Thereafter it closes until the first Monday in January. However, the kitchen is old and in need of refurbishment.

What sets the Church’s kindness apart is “Phuthaditjhaba” which loosely translates as “bring all people together”. This is a facility on the church’s premises where the homeless can have a hot shower as well as wash and iron their clothes. Sue Pearson of the church made the point, “Often these people cannot get jobs because they are unkempt. It’s so rewarding when they come back and tell us that they have a job.”

While the church has sufficient towels, according to Florence Molatudi who helps run the facility, it often runs short on consumables. She said, “Sometimes we don’t have bath soap so I give them mine. We need soap.” When asked if this is one area that requires public support she said, “Yes, we always need soap as well as small tubs of [petroleum-based moisturiser products], which we try to give out as well.” The challenge, according to Pearson, is encouraging community involvement. If anyone would like to get involved with the charity work done on the premises, they can contact Sue Pearson directly.

Details: Sue Pearson suep@absamail.co.z