WATCH | Thousands unite to cook 27 000 meals for Mandela Day in Pietermaritzburg
The initiative, led by Food For Love Africa in Pietermaritzburg, saw volunteers braving the morning winter chill to prepare an estimated 27 000 meals,
Thousands of community members, charity organisations, local schools, businesses and families came together at TPA Primary School on Saturday morning to mark Mandela Day by cooking 108 pots of food for those in need.
The initiative, led by Food For Love Africa in Pietermaritzburg, saw volunteers braving the morning winter chill to prepare an estimated 27 000 meals, which will be distributed to vulnerable communities across Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas.
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Food For Love Africa, Pietermaritzburg, has been feeding communities in the city since 2015.
The non-profit organisation, which operates in various regions, is run locally by four dedicated volunteers who aim to help eradicate hunger in the area.
Food For Love Africa Pietermaritzburg chairperson Dino Kandhir said the organisation was thrilled that this year’s event coincided with Mandela Day, giving participants an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
“It’s fantastic to see so many people taking part. The 108 pots are the biggest we’ve cooked so far, and each year the number grows,” said Kandhir.
“Since it’s Mandela Day, participants can take the pots they’ve cooked and personally distribute the food to those in need. When you serve the community directly, you see the realities people face and it encourages more people to get involved and donate.”
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Kandhir said feeding the hungry remains at the heart of the organisation’s mission and forms part of their 67 minutes of service in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
He added that the initiative continues to grow thanks to strong support from sponsors, donors and volunteers.
Last year alone, the organisation distributed 300 000 meals.
“We are also using this platform to raise funds for next year because we understand that access to food is a basic and urgent need for many families,” he said.
Families, community groups and corporate teams worked side by side, some participating for the first time while others returned for another year of service.
The Singh family said they were proud to be part of an initiative that brings hope and relief to struggling households.
Yogan Naidoo from Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Pietermaritzburg said their team has supported the initiative for five years and remains committed to giving back.
“We are honoured to be part of this day and to support such a meaningful cause. It’s a great initiative and well done to everyone involved, especially my team,” said Naidoo.
Young children, elderly residents and business teams all rolled up their sleeves, stirring pots and sharing in the spirit of Ubuntu — a reminder that Mandela Day is not just about 67 minutes, but about collective action to uplift communities.
By 10:30, scores of people had gathered outside the school for a meal.
