Meals bring hope to many

Little more than a month ago, Farrarmere Gardens Government Village residents would watch as high-end vehicles sped through their suburb, their occupants not taking notice of a community in dire need.

However, one motorist, Nelia du Plessis, made the effort to stop one day and now dedicates her time to rallying support for the village’s 119 residents, who often do not know where their next meal will come from.

Again, walking through the suburb’s narrow streets on April 17, Nelia, by now a familiar face, waves and greets, stopping at low-standing fences to share hugs and upbeat conversation.

The Benoni City Times accompanied her into the village at the end of February, so the route was familiar to us this time around.

Some residents shared stories of hunger and daily struggles, while others said they felt like forgotten members of a community flanked by Farrarmere and Northmead.

In the weeks that followed, Nelia successfully initiated a weekly soup kitchen to benefit the residents.

“There has been a change throughout the village,” said Sara (not her real name).

“Every Tuesday afternoon, we meet next to the flats. Nelia not only greets us with her bright smile, but she takes the time to talk to us, and that has led to us all taking the time to laugh and joke with our neighbours. Things feel different, and the residents seem a little more positive.”

Watching as his two young children quietly play, Charles (not his real name) says he accepts temporary jobs when the opportunities present themselves.

“Depression among the residents is rife. Living from hand to mouth takes its toll,” he said.

“We stretch the little we have as far as possible, but, unfortunately, it is difficult to live when all your energy is spent focusing on surviving.

“With Nelia’s help, we want to create a database of willing and able residents’ skills and qualifications. Should work opportunities become available, we would easily ascertain who would be best suited. Being able to work does wonders for one’s mental state.”

Elections
Joining the conversation, Roy (not his real name) steadies himself on his crutches.

He lives with his mother, who is also disabled, yet he says he is willing to work if given the chance.

“We are soft targets, and loan sharks prey on residents, charging up to 50% interest on loans,” said Roy.

“When you are hungry and your electricity is low, accepting a loan is often the only way to make it through the month, but the cycle of not having enough continues to ring out further.”

Speaking about the upcoming election, many residents say they have not yet decided if they will participate.

“Look at me; I battle to walk. How would I get to the polls? I was told I need to go online to register for a special vote, but I don’t have data, so how was I supposed to apply?” said Roy.

“If you walk to the entrance of the village, you will notice that the campaign posters stop just before you enter the area and start again as you exit,” said Charles.

“The politicians are clearly not interested in our votes. Perhaps they think we are not capable of making informed decisions about our country’s future.

“Even if they brought us food parcels, we have enough dignity not to sell our votes for more empty promises.”

Saying her goodbyes, Nelia casts a mindful glance at the homes occupied by her “hearts-people”.

Donations needed
“The need here is great. I just want to give these people hope. God knows they need it,” she said.

“It is already cold, and winter has not started. Some kids do not even have warm jerseys or socks.”

She continued, saying she is looking for willing donors to assist her in extending the soup kitchen to a second day.

“We urgently need clothing of all sizes for men, women, children, and babies, and shoes up to size 12,” said Nelia.

“Blankets, toiletries, and basic medicines to treat colds and flu are also in short supply.”

Anyone willing to assist Nelia in continuing her work in Farrarmere Gardens can call her on 082 669 6532.

Centenarian makes a celebratory donation
For her recent 100th birthday, Edna Hemer, a Lodge Retirement Village in Bryanston resident, urged friends and family to ditch the gifts and instead donate to a charitable cause.

Edna, a member of Alphen Park residents Derek and Joyce Dingwall’s family through marriage, had heard of the plight of the Farrarmere Gardens community.

She asked Derek, who already contributes to the cause regularly, to ensure that the money she received for her birthday finds its way to Nelia and the Farrarmere Gardens residents.

“I was stunned when I heard of Edna’s request,” said Nelia.

“Derek delivered a bounty of food to me, which I used to feed the community. Edna’s generous donation filled the stomachs of those in need and proved to the residents that people do still care about their well-being.”

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