On a bright and windy Saturday morning, the dusty corners of Matoropong in Phiritona, Heilbron, were filled not just with the aroma of pap and stew, but with something deeper, hope.
The Learner Assistance Program Soup Kitchen, held on Saturday, 05 July, was more than just a feeding scheme. It was a community moment, a heartbeat. It was a reminder that when hands join together, whether they’re serving food, slicing veggies, or playing saxophone, magic happens.
This movement began with the burning passion of Lebohang “Lebzasax” Mokhothu, a local saxophonist known for his flair, warmth, and deep love for his community. “I’ve identified the struggle in Matoropong, and it pushed me to make a difference,” Lebzasax said as he stood at Tibi’s Eatery, the donated space that became the centre of the event.
“Kids go to school hungry. Some only eat at 11am when the school feeding scheme kicks in. But what happens during weekends and school holidays? Who feeds them then?” he asked, eyes watering, not from the smoke of the potjies, but from purpose.
So, he did what people with real heart do, he called for help. And the community answered.
A Collective Act of Ubuntu
With the backing of the Sefora Ntombela Foundation, the dream became a reality. Former Free State Premier Sefora Ntombela, who was in attendance, didn’t just offer support, she rolled up her sleeves and echoed what so many feel but don’t say out loud.
“This is a beautiful initiative. It speaks to the core of what community is, taking care of each other. Children are our future, and they deserve dignity, love, and nourishment. This is one of the most impoverished communities in the province, and it needs all the help it can get.”
Saxy Foods, a vibrant township restaurant known for its African cuisine like skopo, chicken feet, samp, and veggies, led the charge on the menu front. Volunteers like Gami, Bobo, and Mafa Malindi came with pots, love, and laughter. Uaiden Schoeman and Thabo Mokhothu of LAP helped mobilize essentials like clothing, fruit, and equipment, transforming an ordinary day into a festival of giving.
Despite having no tents, the sun shone kindly. The breeze carried the laughter of children and the comforting clink of dishes.
Local Business Heroes
What was even more inspiring was the buy-in from local businesses. Some big brands like KFC and OK Foods joined the cause, while small businesses like Tibi’s Eatery and MDBS Trading donated generously.
Lebzasax, in his element but clearly overwhelmed with emotion, shared, “We couldn’t get everyone on board, but we secured who we could. That’s all that mattered, that we tried. That we showed up.”
What the Day Looked Like
From 10am to 4pm, parents and children came in numbers. Some were shy. Some were bursting with joy. Some had never had such a meal on a weekend. Others came just for the company. But they all left with full tummies and warmer hearts.
Music played softly from Lebza’s saxophone, threading the day together like a ribbon. Children danced. Elders sat and smiled. Volunteers served bowl after bowl, and no one left empty-handed.
What’s Next?
This wasn’t a once-off. The Sefora Ntombela Foundation and Lebzasax are already planning the next edition for Mandela Day in Frankfort.
“We’re not stopping here,” said Lebza, “This is the beginning. We want to make sure every child in our community, whether in Matoropong, Frankfort, or anywhere else, knows they matter.”
This initiative, born from empathy and carried by the spirit of Ubuntu, is proof that sometimes all it takes is one person with a vision to light the fire, and a community to keep it burning.
- Why Do Some Women Undress on Social Media? Freedom, Loneliness, or the Attention Economy?
- “Snip, Shame & Sense: Why Circumcision Still Shapes Masculinity — From the Mountains to the Modern Bedroom”
- OPINION | Matome Chiloane Is the Best Education MEC South Africa Has Right Now
- It’s Dezember, and in South Ah, Even Relationships Go On “Vacation”
- South Africa’s Matric Pass-Mark Debate: 30% vs 50% — Why Everyone Is Watching
