A kasi
business has donated food parcels to over 150 people in Lower Crossroads who
are struggling during the lock-down.
Estratweni Mobile Foods, a company that is known for making burgers on the streets of Philippi in Browns Farm has decided to give back to their community amidst hard times faced by residents during the lockdown.
Residents from Lloyd Squatter camp benefited from the groceries.
Co-founder Thando "Space" Mavumengwana said they bought the groceries from the discounts they made from Spar and they were assisted by Naspers Labs who contributed some money.
He said their business is known for its goodwill in the kasi and believes that this time of lockdown is when their hand is needed the most.
Co-founder Siphumeza "Blax" Ramncwana said they have received requests from ward councilors and community leaders calling for assistance especially for people living in informal settlements.
He said they had to ensure the councilors and community leaders were at the forefront of food distribution and avoid gathering large numbers of people which would result in contravention of lockdown rules.
“We have worked with councilors so that they can assist us in distributing the food considering that there is COVOD-19 so it requires great care to avoid gathering people in one place. Councilors also know the people who are in dire need, so we ensure that the donations go through them,” said Ramncwana.
He added that the informal settlement residents are between the rock and a hard place.
“Informal settlements are the ones that are hit hard, it’s difficult to imagine how six people stay inside a one-roomed shack during the lockdown and this is even made worse when they don’t have food to eat.
“Therefore, we decided to come up with this initiative which we believe will put a smile on many people’s faces,” added Ramncawa.
Food recipient Yolisa Vanqa (38) a mother of three said: “I’m a cleaner and our company closed doors because many of their clients are closed as well. I don’t even know if we are going to re-open. I was in desperate need of food and God responded at the right time by sending well-wishers. This food would take me a long way.”
