Free food for the jobless still provided in the north-eastern suburbs
ORANGE GROVE – Beneficiaries are guaranteed a full meal with pap or rice, chicken or meat as well as a salad.
Job hunters in the Johannesburg north-eastern suburbs can rest assured that their weekly free lunch will still be provided to them despite the ongoing challenges faced by the organisers.
The people hunting for work in Orchards near Orange Grove as well as in Norwood along Grant Street were dealt a blow after a restaurant which served them lunch was shut down.
Vicky’s Restaurant’s owners were allegedly evicted from their operational place on Louis Botha Avenue in Orange Grove due to apparent non-payment of rent as reported in the North Eastern Tribune article Eatery in bun fight ‘eviction’ [Week Ending 1 February]. Vicky Seboyane, owner of the restaurant has, however, dismissed the claim saying the relationship between them and the landlord merely turned sour.
Seboyane said even though they are no longer operating their business in the area, their lunch programme will still continue as usual. They will continue to provide food to job seekers on Wednesdays as usual with a delicious, freshly prepared meal.
Seboyane said they prepare the food in Alexandra and then distribute it to the needy as it has been the case for the past three years. “Nothing has really changed,” she said.
“We will continue supporting these poor people who are trying to make an honest living to feed their families. They will continue to get pap, meat and salad or sometimes rice, chicken and a salad.”
Currently, more than 60 people are benefiting from this initiative and Seboyane said they wish to grow the number and support many other people who need assistance.
Vicky’s Restaurant is working with Next Door Restaurant based in Norwood to feed the job hunters but other local businesses who might be interested in partnering with them are welcome. “We welcome any helping hand,” said Seboyane.
“Businesses that want to help out can buy groceries or even donate necessities such as vegetables.
“This is not about money but merely just to help those who are struggling to make ends meet to support their families.”
Details: Vicky Seboyane 082 506 6958.
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