Greater Springs Soup Kitchen spreads warmth in honour of Mandela Day
On Mandela Day, a local soup kitchen in Geduld gave back to the community by serving warm meals and spreading hope to those in need.
In honour of Mandela Day, the Greater Springs Soup Kitchen team spent 67 minutes making sure those in need were well fed.
They served boerewors rolls and a cold drink next to Liquor City in Geduld.
This is nothing new for the team, as the soup kitchen operates every Saturday in the Meat Mecca parking area in Geduld.
“We wanted to give back to the community because we are blessed. There is a great need, and many people are unemployed. This is our way of honouring God,” said the founder, Franci Swanepoel.
She said the donations they receive from generous community members have made initiatives like this possible. Swanepoel encouraged the community to prioritise helping those in need — not only on Mandela Day, but every day.
“If you have the means, please look out for your fellow community members — even if it’s just by giving one loaf of bread or a packet of soup. All the small gestures make a big difference,” she said.
She also praised her dedicated team of volunteers for stepping up to uplift the community and honour Madiba’s dream of peace and equality.
“Mandela set the example for us. Therefore, we have a responsibility to make an impact and promote unity among all racial and ethnic groups. He wanted peace for everyone, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve to honour his legacy,” Swanepoel added.
Among the volunteers was Lizelle Vorster, a regular donor who has long been involved in similar outreach programmes.
“It upsets me to see people — especially children — on the streets in winter. Seeing them happy after receiving a meal warms my heart. Knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s life brings me so much joy,” Vorster said.
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