Every Tuesday morning, long before the sun rises, 86-year-old Goonalatchmee ‘Lily’ Naidoo from Heuweloord, Centurion, is already awake, preparing to serve her community.

While much of the city is still asleep, fires are lit, large pots begin to simmer, and another day of quiet service unfolds in her backyard.

By the time the first rays of sunlight appear, a home-cooked meal is already being prepared for the community members who will soon arrive with empty containers and hopeful hearts.

For the past 26 years, Naidoo – affectionately known as ‘Mama Lily’– has dedicated every Tuesday to feeding those in need, transforming a simple meal into a symbol of hope and kindness during difficult times.

As she celebrated her 86th birthday on July 20, Naidoo stated that slowing down is not an option. Instead, she sees every day of service as a privilege.

“I am deeply thankful to God for His grace and countless blessings. Being able to continue serving my community is a privilege I never take for granted. I believe that serving others is what we are called to do. For me, a life of service is a life lived with purpose,” she said.

Naidoo’s journey of compassion began more than two decades ago when she witnessed people begging for food. The sight of hungry families weighed heavily on her heart.

“Seeing people beg for food has always pained me. That’s when I felt the need to start feeding and helping the less fortunate. It has always been my passion to make sure no one goes hungry,” she explained.

What began as a heartfelt desire to help has since grown into a weekly feeding programme that provides nutritious meals to about 200 people every Tuesday through the Greater Love Foundation.

While the initiative primarily serves families in Heuweloord, its reach extends to surrounding communities across Centurion. Each week, Naidoo prepares large pots of rice, meat, and vegetables, ensuring that every visitor receives a warm, nourishing meal.

Behind every serving lies hours of dedication. A typical Tuesday begins at 04:00, when Naidoo lights the fires and begins cooking. Volunteers often arrive throughout the day to assist with preparing, organising and distributing meals.

Naidoo attributes the success of the initiative to the generosity of supporters, including Pick n Pay, Groenkloof SPAR, Shell Garage, the Greater Love Foundation, and numerous other donors who make the weekly outreach possible.

Over the years, she has witnessed remarkable transformations. Children she once served have grown into adults, and familiar faces continue to return every Tuesday.

She told Rekord that these moments tell a story that numbers cannot. For her, it is not a single defining moment but the consistency of showing up every week for 26 years that matters most.

“I’ve learned that compassion isn’t measured by grand gestures but by faithfully caring for others, week after week, even when no one is watching.”

Her commitment has not been without challenges. Rising food prices, the physical demands of cooking at her age, and the emotional weight of witnessing so many families struggle with hunger have tested her resolve.

Some weeks, when donations are scarce, she worries whether there will be enough food for everyone. However, her faith and the smiles of those she serves give her the strength to continue.

For Naidoo, giving back has never been about recognition. She explained that each plate of food she serves carries a message of love and resilience, nourishing not only hungry stomachs but also weary hearts.

Though she knows she cannot change the entire world, she believes she can make a difference in someone’s life every Tuesday.

“No act of kindness is ever too small. When we serve others with love, we are serving God Himself,” she said.

Looking toward the future, Naidoo has only one wish. “My hope is simply to continue feeding the less fortunate for as long as God gives me the strength to do so.”

She hopes her story will inspire others to extend kindness wherever they can. For her, every meal served is another quiet testament to the power of compassion, faithfully practiced for over 26 years.

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