Springs soup kitchen feeds 200 people every Saturday

Her heart is compared to a taxi because it always has space for one more. Franci Swanepoel runs one of the biggest soup kitchens in Springs, which has now grown to three points: Strubenvale, Geduld, and Springs Central.

She spoke to Springs Advertiser about her life journey and passion for helping vulnerable people. Swanepoel (née Visser) was born on August 12, 1960, in Sannieshof, North West Province, and grew up in Delareyville. She completed her matric at Schweizer Reneke High School.

In 1982, she started working at the post office, where she met her first husband, Ruben Joubert. They had four children – three sons and one daughter. Her husband passed away in 1999. Franci became a nurse at Far East Rand Hospital in 1984.

Despite her loss, Franci could find love again in 2000 and married her current husband, Jaco Swanepoel.

“Our passion for helping others led us to start doing charity work, including running the Bread of Life shelter, where we provide support to those in need,” said Franci.

Franci also said that besides the shelter, they continued their charity work, distributing food parcels during the COVID-19 pandemic to destitute individuals in the community.

They also started the Greater Springs Community Soup Kitchen, serving around 200 people every Saturday.

“One of my reasons for starting the soup kitchen is that my eldest son is a drug addict, and I don’t know where he is. I tried taking him to rehab, but he is not interested. If I can give one person food, maybe somewhere, somehow, someone else can give my child food too,” she said.

She also said her goal for the soup kitchen is to be in every suburb in Springs because many people walk from Selection Park and Selcourt to Springs Central on Saturdays to get soup and bread. Franci added that she needs local businesses and the community to help her.

“Our goal is to provide a hearty meal to those who need it most. However, we cannot do it alone. We rely on the support of local businesses and community members to make this initiative a success.

“If you are passionate about giving back, we would love for you to join hands with us and make a difference in the lives of those in need,” she said.

In one word, her husband said she is amazing. Jaco said Franci is always looking for ways to help the community in any way possible.

“She always listens to the problems that people come to her with, and she would tell me, ‘Let us help out.’ Truly a listening ear for the community,” said Jaco.

Her daughter, Adele, who is also part of the soup kitchen, said her mother is her role model and also a mama bear. She added that her mom has the biggest heart and is determined to better the community.

“On Mother’s Day and her birthday, I always send her a song which says I am glad that she is mine,” she said.

Adele also said that Franci taught her a lot, especially being grateful for the small things they have, as well as empathy and patience.

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