She is known for taking care of the sick as they journey to their final resting place, but this week businesswoman Portia Nduna shifted gears when she cooked for her community in Nomzamo, Strand.
Portia runs a funeral service company and says she decided to take action after some residents came to tell her that they weren’t getting food parcels and were hungry.
“As food parcels were being distributed, many people did not get any and as a well-known businesswoman they came to my office asking for food,” she tells the Daily Voice.
HELP OUT: Portia Nduna
She said turning people away was “painful” and she then decided to start a feeding scheme to help her community.
“This is a start and if I get the funds I want this to be a daily feeding scheme for people here because what I see happening here is disheartening and sad.”
A warm meal was served to children and elders with the help of other women.
Elizabeth Mpushe said it was easy for her to offer her assistance: “Food parcels have skipped families who need them the most.”
CARE: Portia’s team feeding community
Shantel Kotze, who survives by collecting garbage for recycling, says the feeding scheme came at the right time: “There is nothing to recycle now, dustbins are empty as people are no longer dumping. I did not get a food parcel and I was hungry for a couple of days.”
Asked if she was aware of the R350 emergency unemployment grant, Shantel responded: “I heard about it, but I do not have a cellphone to apply. They must come to us in community halls so that we can apply.”