Okuhle Fast Foods hosted a community charity drive in Pimville Zone 5 in Soweto on August 30. The day was aimed at giving back, promoting unity and strengthening community spirit.

Community members came out in numbers to make a difference with what they could, contributing towards improving the lives of the recipients of the donated goods.

Busi Nhlapo, who is part of Okuhle Fast Foods and organised the event, said they chose to give back to the community because, as a business, they have received immense support from the beginning and wanted to find a way to give back to a local home.

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“We chose Khayalethu Kliptown Crisis Centre as the home we would be donating to, to make a mark and difference in our community.

“These are children in our community who rely on the centre to have a meal and be well taken care of, and because we have realised that they play a pivotal role, we felt that the donations would be of great help. We knocked on businesses and the community at large, and the reception has been great,” said Nhlapo.

Community member Hlamalani Nyambi said she was touched by the initiative and chose to donate sanitary towels and toiletries.

“I was touched by this whole drive. However, we do see a lot of period poverty, amongst many other things, which derail learning for girl children. I decided to donate sanitary towels and toiletries, and I hope that this will make an impact in a couple of young girls’ lives,” she said.

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The day was not only aimed at charity, but also at supporting small businesses by giving them an opportunity to showcase and promote their businesses, while encouraging the community to gather for a positive purpose.

Social Auxiliary Worker at Khayalethu Kliptown Crisis Centre, Nomsa Mhlanga, told Urban News that the centre accommodates an estimated 350 children from Kliptown, Pimville and Eldorado Park daily, who require educational support and essentials such as meals, clothes and uniforms.

“We house vulnerable children within the community, and they are recognised and referred to us by the schools that they attend. We also provide social activities to support these children and make sure that they are not disturbed or feel left out by their circumstances.

We need more of such acts from community members, where we do not solely depend on the government but take action as communities as well. I would like to extend our gratitude to Okuhle Fast Foods,” said Mhlanga.

The donated items were handed over on August 31, when the children and staff were also treated to a warm meal by Okuhle Fast Foods.