Benonians receive food parcels from soldiers and church

On June 11, the OR Tambo Regiment of the South African Army and Northfield Methodist Church partnered to donate food parcels to Benoni families in need.

June 16, 2020

Jemma Buys 1 minute read

The initiative was made possible by Past Khaya Mnyanda, Capt Mbulelo Tetani, officer command Lt-Col Ravhambelani Prince Ligaraba, Acting Regimental Sergeant Major Johan Koekemoer, Past Paul Masunungure and Sgt Maj Christiaan Craucamp.

The OR Tambo Regiment of the South African Army and Northfield Methodist Church partnered to donate food parcels to Benoni families in need on June 11.
WO 2 Christiaan Craucamp, Capt Mbulelo Tetani, Acting RSM and WO 2 Johan Koekemoer, Past Khaya Mnyanda and Past Paul Masunungure were the main points of contact in starting the movement of donating food parcels.

Also Read:

Support the Greater Benoni Child Welfare’s charity shop

Leading the convoy on Thursday was officer commanding Lt-Col Ravhambelani Prince Ligaraba.

“We are doing this due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There are many families out there in need of help. It is all about helping those in trying times. Lockdown is seriously impacting everyone. Those who can help, should help those who can’t. People have been affected badly during these times. We are all brothers and sisters and we need to stand together,” he said.

The organisations have been a safe place for families to come forward and let the them know they are struggling.”A family can either let the Northfield Methodist Church know or they can let the OR Tambo Regiment know at the army base,” explained Masunungure.

Also Read:

Celebrities show their support for Benoni charities

“Many families are struggling because of Covid-19, especially when it comes to food,” explained Mnyanda. Many army employees helped by buying products for the food parcels and some church congregants helped with donations. The church then helped identify families in need. Today, along with the army, we made sure they received the help they need,” he said.

Craucamp said: “Sponsors, such as Oakfields Pick n Pay and Rynfield SPAR, helped with products for the food parcels. We are grateful for the help they gave us.”The parcels included various foods, cleaning products and masks.The convoy started in Wattville, moved to Northmead and finished in Daveyton. Ten families were helped.

Miriam Ramapedi was overcome with emotion upon receiving her food parcel.

Private Mpho Maloka with Miriam Ramapedi.

Johannes Bronkhorst, Maria Lombard and Renier Lombard were all smiles upon receiving their food parcel.

Johanna Marobane from Wattville after receiving her food parcel.

Miriam Ramapedi stays in Wattville with her five grandchildren.

The Hattingh family with Northfield Methodist Church pastors and the OR Tambo Regiment.

The OR Tambo Regiment stand at attention while practicing social distancing.

Cindy Hattingh with her two children, Eloise and Damien, in Northmead receive their food parcel.

The organisations are appealing to the people of Benoni for assistance in helping them with donations of any kind, so they may keep their initiative going.Donations of any sort, such as blankets, pillows, food, secondhand clothes, sanitary pads and toiletries, are welcome. Donations can be dropped off at Northfield Methodist Church in Airfield, Benoni, or the OR Tambo Regiment in Benoni town.