By Buziwe Nocuze
In the heart of the Tsuga Community Hall in Samora Machel, Cape Town, more than 50 families were all smiles as they received much-needed food parcels on Saturday from the Brotherhood Social Club.
The club, which was formed in 2014, has been making a difference to the lives of young men and unemployed people in the community.
Club president Mncedisi Sogwaqa emphasised the importance of helping young men become better adults and ensuring that older people and those in need get the support they require.
He explained, “We couldn’t let our people starve, and we cannot sit back just because they are getting [old age] pension grants.” The money is not enough for some people. They need assistance, and the Brotherhood ensures they have enough to eat for the month.
The Brotherhood Social Club has been giving hope to unemployed people, assisting them in finding jobs. They also help young men who lack a father figure learn how to behave responsibly.
Sogwaqa added, “We cannot wait for political leaders to assist where we can. When we have the means to help, let us do so because we are doing it for our people without expecting anything in return.”
Community members expressed their gratitude for the Brotherhood’s generosity. Priscilla Ngamlana, a 56-year-old street vendor, initially didn’t believe that the food parcels were free.
She stated, “Everyone is doing something to get something. When they told me that they will be doing it for free, I thought they [would] want something, but to my surprise, they helped us for free.”
Ngamlana was happy to know that the money she makes from selling meat will help provide for her family next month.
Khunjulwa Sifuba, a 54-year-old street vendor, was moved by the Brotherhood’s kindness. She received a table with chairs and said, “Getting a table with chairs from people from other townships shows the qualities of leadership and Ubuntu. Our people don’t care about us but people from other areas show love.”
Nowayilesi Tengile, a 68-year-old resident, was also grateful for the food parcels. She said, “Old [age] pension money is not enough. The food we buy is not enough to carry us to the next payment. We will never forget what they did for us.”
Bongiwe Mateta, a 47-year-old single mother of five, expressed her amazement at receiving food without working for it.
She usually wakes up early to get piece jobs to buy food for her family. “What Brotherhood did is huge, and they saved us.”
Pictured above: The Brotherhood Social Club has vowed to continue assisting the community
Image source: Buziwe Nocuze
