Wolmer resident wants to feed a thousand people every Saturday
“I grew up watching my mother feed people on a small scale and I wanted to do the same,” says Hurinanthan.
A resident of Wolmer, in the north of Pretoria, is honouring his late mother by feeding over 600 people every Saturday morning.
Vitesh Hurinanthan and his team started the feeding initiative earlier this year and it has grown as more people came to get food.
“I grew up watching my mother feed people on a small scale and I wanted to do the same,” said Hurinanthan.
Vegetable biryani, chicken biryani and samp and beans are only a few of the items on the menu.
“We put out chairs and set up a gazebo for the people who stand in line waiting to be served. With music playing, we take the containers that they bring and fill them with freshly cooked meals.
“All people are welcome to get a meal – even those who are working because we understand that people are struggling.”
Hurinanthan said he noticed that people come from central and neighbouring areas for a meal.
Cobra Security has taken it upon themselves to not only keep the order, but also to assist people in getting their meals.
“When we started, I had to send people away because we did not have enough food. Now I have, however, started cooking more food to make sure that everybody who comes won’t leave without something,” he said.
Hurinanthan said he plans to start feeding people in Centurion, Doornpoort and Akasia.
“I want to feed a thousand people every Saturday.”
His feeding initiative has attracted the likes of ActionSA president Herman Mashaba and MMCs who have joined him and offered to sponsor a few meals.
“I resigned from my job on my 40th birthday because I wanted to pursue my passion, which is cooking. That is when I opened my home-based catering company which also helps in feeding people,” he said.
“It has not always been easy. Sometimes I would have to take food out of my house to help others, but I believe that I can make a plan.
“We also give sponsored sweets and cupcakes to children. The look in their eyes and how grateful they are makes this worthwhile.”
Hurinanthan thanked his team members Krishnee Govender, Renard Moodley, Leclanche Smith, Domminque O Connor, Shwan Chinn, Brendon Govender and all the sponsors that provide the ingredients needed to prepare these meals.
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. That is why we are up every Saturday ready to serve our people.”
For more information, contact Vitesh on 068 099 4023.
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