ALL Jacob Madisha wants is for his community to be fed and happy.
So, the 27-year-old from extension 6 in Atteridgeville, west of Tshwane, wakes up early on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to feed kids at Brazzaville Sports Ground before they board buses to various schools.
He does this using money he gets from selling chicken feet, snacks and sweets in the street.
The founder of Ponelopele Community Development said they also collected old clothes and uniforms to donate to disadvantaged homes and shelters.
“We realised that people were walking on empty stomachs, and decided to prepare food for them in our soup kitchen. We appeal for more food so we can share it among communities,” he said.
Jacob said they had a breakfast drive for pupils and others took the meal to eat during lunch.
“We give pupils food including bread, chips, polony, cheese, peanut butter, jam and eggs,” he said, adding that his disadvantaged background taught him to share.
“I know it’s difficult to learn when you are hungry. We want to change all children’s lives, no matter where they come from so they can shine at school,” he said.
Organisation member Katlego Thobejane (29) said: “We’re happy to make a difference in the community. We appeal for donations as well as shelter and gazebos as we struggle to do what we love on rainy days.” He said they donated sanitary towels, deodorant, toothpaste and tooth brushes when they were available.
Pupil Tshepo Matlala (8) said: “I don’t drink tea at home because uncle Jacob gives us tasty bread with cheese and anything you want. We are all happy when we go to school.”