Meet the October Advertiser/West Pack Lifestyle Hero of the Month

It is nice to do things for people and not expect anything in return. However, if people see and appreciate the good things that you do, then that’s good!

This statement resonates well with Lizzie Matiza, who through her good deeds have been noticed by a colleague who nominated her as the Hero of the month. In her entry, Thelma Malele praised Matiza for her selfless work of making vetkoeks every morning for homeless people and casual workers at her workplace who have nothing to eat.

For her good deeds, the single mother of three children has been selected as the Advertiser/West Pack Lifestyle Hero of the Month, winning herself a R1 000 West Pack voucher.

In an interview with Matiza (43), who lives in Boksburg East, shared her parents taught her to always give regardless of how small that thing is.

“My parents used to help needy people in my community, so I think I learned from them. I started making vetkoeks and food in May when I decided to make money.
“While on my way to work, if I see a hungry person I’d just take out some of the vetkoek and give it to them, forgetting that it’s for profit. From the 40 vetkoeks that I make and sell for R1, I’d go home with R10.”

Realising she’s actually making a difference in someone’s life with the little she has, she decided to give all her vetkoek to anyone she meets who is hungry.

“At work, there are men who get called to work for a day. I would put a table outside and place a container with vetkoek and tea there so they can eat to gain strength before they start their day.”

Matiza, who works as a cleaner at a fibre company in Witfield, said her struggles of looking after three children alone have taught her to feel pity for anyone who is in need.

“Because I know how it feels to be in need or not knowing where you’d get your next meal, I’ve decided to share what I have with those who are in need. Everything I do, I do it not be seen but to make someone happy. My dream is to open a shelter for women and children because I’ve seen they are suffering,” she said.

Now that it is summer, the 43-year-old no longer makes vetkoek but light food for the disadvantaged.

Her message: “To people who can afford, with the little that you have consider doing something good for someone who you see is in need. Even just buying bread for them, it counts because you did it from the goodness of your heart.”

Also Read: Meet September’s Heroes of the Month

Also Read: Nominate your Hero of the Month