By Refilwe Mphirime
Elizabeth Seema lives by, “no one should go to bed hungry.” The 68-year-old mother of two sons aged 39 and 40 saw a lack of food in her community and in response to fulfilling that need she established a soup kitchen.
The soup kitchen was established in 2018. “As a single working parent, I know how difficult it was to raise my children. I often wondered how households where parents were not working managed to get by. That’s what inspired me to give where I could.I would cook maize meal and serve it with Inkomazi to children,” she remembers fondly.
Seema planned to open a soup kitchen for children only. However, she decided to cater for everyone in need regardless of their demographics.
With the help of volunteers and the weekly donation she gets from Shoprite, Elizabeth can now feed over 300 individuals monthly, ranging from children to the elderly. The oldest beneficiary is a 94-year-old woman and the youngest is six year old. Seema distributes food around Galeshewe, from Tyala where she resides to 7 de Laan, Bloemanda, and number 5, to name a few.
“Upon receiving food parcels from Shoprite, I first deliver to bedridden patients. They are my first priority,” explained Elizabeth.
She is a lay minister at Our lady of Fatima Shrine. She often plays and also prays with children on Saturdays.
“I firmly believe we can only build our nation through the love of Christ,” she shared.
Seema welcomes all kinds of donations, be it food, clothes, and even time. Donations can be dropped off at 1846 Tyala Street, Kimberley.
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