The residents of Hazeldene squatter camp enjoyed their meal on Eid yesterday courtesy of medics of Metro EMS Southern Division.
About 150 people lined up to get their food, while the medics also encouraged communication between paramedics and the public.
OUTREACH: Medics served about 150 people as part of programme
Acting District Manager for the Southern District, Mr Van Zyl, said EMS members started cooking the groot potte kos on Sunday night.
This comes after the recent spike in armed robberies on paramedics working in the area.
“Myself and five members started cooking the food at 8.30pm at the Tafelsig mosque,” he says.
“We finished around 2.30am [yesterday] and when we dished the food to the residents by 9am, it was still fresh and hot.
“We also spoke to residents about safety in the area.
“EMS experienced numerous robberies and attacks in this area so we want to show them we care and give back to the community.
He says the Eid meal is part of relationship-building “with the people here to prevent future attacks on paramedics”.
The team plans regular outreach programmes.
“This [feeding] initiative is funded by donations from the public and from the pockets of EMS members.
“We know there is a greater need and we can’t feed everyone, but we will come back and feed as many as we can.
“We have done this before in other areas such as Mitchells Plain.
“We hope to reach Manenberg and Hanover Park soon.”