iThemba more than just a soup kitchen
The soup kitchen started in 1999 by two women from the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in Primrose where the soup kitchen still operates. Jenny joined the soup kitchen in 2005 as a volunteer and has continued ever since.
The pandemic left many with no hope, little support and worries about no food.
iThemba, meaning (hope), Soup Kitchen’s members were there during the lockdown to provide meals.
“The lockdown was difficult. I opened my home to a few families who needed food and we handed out food parcels,” said Jenny Scheigansz, head of iThemba.
The Woodmere resident said she was grateful when they were able to open the soup kitchen.
She said before the pandemic, they fed about 80 people but since the pandemic the number has increased to over 100 people.
“We are grateful that we still get sponsors and donations from the community. We are able to keep cooking and serve every Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” said Jenny.
The soup kitchen started in 1999 from the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in Primrose where the soup kitchen still operates.
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Jenny joined the soup kitchen in 2005 as a volunteer and has stayed ever since.
The 70-year-old said it has been an amazing and tough journey.
“I am a people’s person and I think I am a good judge of character as I was previously employed in the personnel industry,” said Jenny.
She said she joined the soup kitchen as a way to help others.
“You meet people from all walks of life and with different challenges. I always try to help were I can,” said Jenny.
She said the soup kitchen gives more than just meals. “We give hope in any form we can. We also collect second-hand clothes and toys to give to people in need.”
She thanked Johan from Ackerman Pharmacy, Dowerglen SPAR and Charity Club for their support.
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