Sitting behind her desk, Captain Zandile Mkhize quickly glances up to the clock. It is nearly 13:00.
Sandwiches should soon be leaving the kitchen as there are hungry mouths to feed.
It has only been a week since Mkhiza assumed her role as administrator/corps officer at The Salvation Army Benoni, but the soft natured officer is firm about the quality of care that should be provided to the less-fortunate that rely on their services.
Raised in Ladysmith, Mkhiza is a second generation salvationist. She, however, needed to spread her wings first in order to realise her purpose in life.
“Back home, I worked as a field worker for the local department of traditional affairs,” she said.
“Through my interactions with the community I realised that our people are in need of receiving the gospel of God. My wings brought me back home where I went on to complete five years as a Salvation Army officer.”
On January 14, the newly appointed captain took her place at the helm of the local branch.
To date the facility in Howard Avenue offers housing to 27 elderly persons. It can accommodate up to 24 temporary residents, offers foundation learning to the community’s tots and feeds about 100 less-fortunate people weekly.
“From outside our gates, I see desperate women engaging in prostitution as a way of surviving,” said Mkhiza.
“Walking past our facility, many do not realise that within these walls there is hope and love. With guidance from above, they will find comfort in the arms of our Father.
“However, we cannot survive without the care and support of our community, who value the facility.”
Mkhiza said that the growing need of the city’s underprivileged is fast exceeding the organisation’s reach.
“We urge community and business to invest in our work and assist through donations, which in turn could change a life,” she said.
“Food and sanitary donations are always welcome while supporting our monthly jumble sales aids in giving our finances a welcome boost.”
Speaking of her vision for the centre, she says that she dreams of building on the centre’s ongoing support, creating a space which is beacon of hope for the needy.
Members of the public are invited to support the upcoming jumble sale on February 10, from 10:00. Books, trinkets and furniture will be on sale at give-away prices.
For more information call 011 422 4418.
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