Feeding project aims to alleviate hunger on the Bluff

“I’M here to serve as a mother in this community, in whatever way I can.”

This is the mission statement of Liziwe Mkhulisi who has dedicated her retirement to running the Fynnland Feeding Project on the Bluff. A typical morning for Mkhulisi consists of waking up early before the crack of dawn to loading a variety of vegetables and other sponsored goods into her minibus before making her way to the kitchen where she and her remarkable team of helpers start the fires and get to chopping and peeling. By mid-morning a mouth-watering aroma can be smelled, indicating that a hearty lunch is ready for delivery.

The first distribution stop is at the park near Fynnland Sports Club where a large group of destitute individuals eagerly await. Thereafter, they proceed into different areas and homes on the Bluff which have been identified as impoverished.

What started out as a small initiative a few years ago with two women, when she moved to the Bluff, saw Mkhulisi soon rally her neighbours and other like-minded individuals to feed and assist, what is today a long confidential list of families and groups in need.

She captures details of the project’s beneficiaries and keeps record of food distributions to ensure she runs a well-oiled machine. She also works closely with the ward councillor, the gender and vulnerable groups committee as well as the local clinic committee.

She currently provides hot meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to about 250 to 300 people. “I started out serving about 45 to 60 people. My plan is to continue with this project to the point where there is no one without a meal. I want to see communities on the ground working together to combat hunger. I want this project to be a clean governed little body which is fully accountable. I myself am governed by what God expects of me. I’m hoping this will inspire others and that similar groups will form in surrounding areas.”

In the true essence of family, the project has been sustained by the helping hands and donations of people who share similar sentiments to keep the dream alive. “As much we look for support in terms of sponsors and donations, we also call upon everyday individuals to find it in their hearts to assist in any way that they can.

Not all days are the same and much like any other project, there is a fair share of challenges. Running costs, food shortages, an increasing database and people’s unrealistic expectations of the group are recurring operational issues. “What keeps me going is the love of humanity and the fear of God. I believe that God said to me ‘While you are waiting on me, serve my people and give love’. I am driven because I know I am going to die one day and when that day comes, I would love to account to God and be able to tell him what I did during my time on earth.

“We are not in a show environment here. We are here to give food and help those in need. We are ordinary individuals who are simply giving from their hearts. Our passion is to alleviate hunger up to a point where we will eradicate poverty. Right now we’re just doing our best on a very small scale,” said Mkhulisi who has a background in economic development from the time she worked in government.

Cleanliness is another main priority for Mkhulisi, who keeps her work station clean at all times and follows the necessary Covid-19 protocols when out in the community.

Over and above cooking, the 63-year-old mother to many, opens her heart to assist many who live below the breadline in any way, within her means. She has a strong Roman Catholic background and the spirit of giving was instilled in her as a child by her parents who were both teachers.

The team is need of donations such as vegetables, rice, mielie meal as well as Polystyrene take-away containers. To make a donation or for more information send a Whatsapp to Liziwe Mkhulisi on 061-314-9772.