Alex soup kitchen makes SASSA queue a little easier

By the time the sun rises over Pan Africa Shopping Centre, some elderly Alexandra residents have already spent hours in line, hungry, exhausted, and clutching the hope of a Sassa grant that will carry them through the month. For many, especially those living with chronic illnesses, the wait is more than uncomfortable; it is dangerous.

Recently, Ageing With Wisdom Region E Elderly Forum turned that bleak routine into a moment of care. Stationed just outside the shopping centre, their mobile soup kitchen offers warm, nourishing meals to senior citizens.

Ellen Chauke, who oversees the forum’s transport portfolio, said the initiative was born from witnessing the toll these queues take on vulnerable residents. “Some of them are diabetic and leave home without eating breakfast. Their health conditions, compounded by hunger, put them at risk of fainting.”

The forum’s presence is a lifeline for pensioners, who wake up as early as 04:00 to secure their place in line. The promise of a hot meal serves as a reminder that someone is watching, and that someone cares about their wellbeing.

Chauke emphasised that the initiative is more than necessary, especially in a community where the elderly grapple with poverty and food insecurity. “Some don’t have anything at home. They don’t even come with lunch boxes or anything. Remember, the Sassa grants run out quickly. Sometimes they don’t even have the means to make bread for lunch. That’s why we’re doing this.”

The initiative has been praised and received with opened arms by residents. “We spend hours in the line,” said senior resident Johanna Mbedzi. “The queues are often slow. We eventually go in, but by then, we are already tired and starved, so, we are happy with this initiative.” She said she typically leaves home mid-morning, but still spends up to four hours in line. By the time she arrives, many others have already been waiting for hours.

The soup kitchen initiative is made possible through a partnership with Easypay Financial Services, whose team leader, Sicelo Sifuba, praised the programme and affirmed their continued support. Recognising its value, Easypay offered the forum space to operate at the Pan Africa Shopping Centre, helping ensure the meals reach those who need them most.

Sifuba emphasised that the initiative serves all pensioners at the pay points, not just Easypay clients. “It’s for everyone who comes to collect their money, and I support it fully.”

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