Phindile Kubeka (49) founded the Inkosinami Drop-In Centre 10 years ago and registered it as an NPO two years later.

Kubeka grew up poor and knows what it feels like when there is no food in the house and when one has to go to school hungry.

This prompted her to leave her job as a safety officer and focus on the drop-in centre full-time.

Donations and sponsorships are scarce. Sometimes Kubeka has to use her own money, which she earns from renting out two rooms on her property, to provide food for the children.

“We were supposed to offer a holiday programme for the children in December, but because we did not have enough food to give them, we had to cancel it,” said Kubeka.

“They come to the holiday programme specifically for food, so we cannot let them come here and then we don’t have anything to give them.”

Kubeka and the volunteers at the Inkosinami Drop-In Centre are reliant on donations to continue doing the work at the centre.

About 73 children visit the centre daily after school, where Kubeka and her team give them a meal, help with homework, and teach them life skills.

“We have new children coming here daily, and it does not seem as if anybody cares about the poor people in our area,” said Kubeka.

Apart from being a qualified safety officer, Kubeka has also done a course in early childhood development.

She applied to the Department of Social Development to be registered with the department. According to her, she met all the health and safety regulations; however, she is still battling with the department.

“I have now taken this matter to the premier’s office and hope we will see some results,” said Kubeka.

“I will not stop fighting for the poor, especially children.”

The community and churches in eMbalenhle support the centre by giving clothes, food, and donations when they can, but for December, the centre did not receive enough.

When Kubeka gets clothes donated, she gives them to the poor people in the community for free.

Her vision for this year is to establish another room that can be used as a classroom for the children. They will need a container or building material to build this room on the property.

The centre also needs 50 chairs and six tables to accommodate all the children who visit the centre daily.

There are four toilets on the property, but Kubeka asked the community and businesses to complete the toilet facilities.

Anybody is welcome to donate toys, educational toys or supplies, stationery, books or old magazines.

“I thank every company and person who has and is still contributing towards the centre. Without the support from the community, the centre will be nothing.”

Anybody who wants to help or become a volunteer can contact Kubeka at 072 863 1740.