The Siya Soup Project: A Beacon of Hope and Nourishment

• From 300 meals 3 years ago to 5,000 and 7,000 per week

• New record of packing 500 meals in just five minutes

The Grade 7 class of the Kowie Foundation School in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, South Africa, had a heartwarming experience recently when they visited the Siya Soup Project in Bushman’s River Mouth. As part of their Technology syllabus, the class had to explore the topic of recycling, which included a tour of the Bushman's River Recycling Plant. 

Inspired by their learning, the students were eager to experience making a positive impact on their community, says their teacher, Winnie-Isabel le Roux. This led to a visit to the Siya Soup premises in Bushman's where the soup parcels are prepared and packaged. The students were thrilled to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause. They learned first hand about the importance of giving back and the positive impacts even small acts of kindness can have, says Le Roux. 

The Siya Soup Project not only provides essential food, but also empowers individuals to participate in recycling efforts, creating a sustainable and compassionate community. It is a community driven effort of St David's Anglican Church in Bushman's. It began modestly three years ago. Since then, it has seen remarkable growth from delivering 300 meals three years ago to the present 5 000 meals per week with a peak of 7 000 meals in the last week of every month. Each meal packet includes rice, pasta, lentils, soy mince and flavouring. 

During their visit to Bushman's, the learners rolled up their sleeves and did the packaging themselves, even managing to see a new record of packing 500 meals in just five minutes, breaking the previous record by two and a half minutes. Reverend Ruthell Johnson of St David's Anglican Church, who was present to accompany them on their tour and instruct the learners on how to implement the packaging, was delighted by the new record and heartily congratulated them on this achievement. 

After their work in Bushman’s, the learners visited St Matthew's Anglican Church in Marselle, where a singing group of ladies were gathered before collecting their meal packets. Two large containers with recyclable materials were on the pavement in front of the church. This shows how the community contributes for receiving their meal packets. 

The group of learners then continued to Ekuphumleni, where participants were waiting in line for the learners to help distribute the meal packets, overseen by Mike Kohana, who manages the Siya Soup Project there. 

A big thank you to Father Ruthell for allowing the Grade 7s to share in their joy. It is a testament to their generosity and the positive impact they are making in their community, said Le Roux. 

ABOUT EKHUPHUMLENI AND MARSELLE

Nestled near the scenic coastal town of Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape, the townships of Ekhuphumleni and Marselle are communities rich in culture and spirit but face significant economic challenges. Both townships are characterized by high levels of poverty and unemployment, issues that are deeply intertwined with the broader socio-economic landscape of the region. In Ekhuphumleni, many residents live below the poverty line, struggling with limited access to basic services and infrastructure. The situation is similar in Marselle, where economic hardships are a daily reality for many families. Unemployment rates in both townships are alarmingly high, with formal job opportunities being scarce. Many residents rely on informal employment or subsistence activities to make ends meet, and social grants are a crucial lifeline for numerous households.

The root causes of these economic challenges are multifaceted. Access to quality education is limited, which affects the employability of the youth in both Ekhuphumleni and Marselle. Schools often lack the necessary resources and qualified teachers, leaving students ill-prepared for the job market. Healthcare services are also inadequate, impacting the overall health and productivity of the communities. Poor infrastructure, including roads and public transport, further isolates these townships, making it difficult for residents to access job opportunities and essential services in nearby towns.

Despite these challenges, there are various initiatives aimed at improving the economic conditions in Ekhuphumleni and Marselle. Local NGOs and community groups are actively working on projects to enhance living conditions, such as building better housing and providing skills training. These initiatives are crucial in empowering residents and fostering a sense of community resilience. The South African government also plays a role through programs designed to reduce poverty and unemployment, including social grants and public works programs. These efforts, while impactful, often need to be more comprehensive and sustained to bring about long-term change.

In both Ekhuphumleni and Marselle, the spirit of the community remains strong. Residents continue to find ways to support each other and work towards a better future. The challenges they face are significant, but so is their determination to overcome them. Through a combination of community-driven initiatives and government support, there is hope that these townships can move towards a more prosperous and sustainable future. The journey is long and fraught with obstacles, but the resilience and strength of the people in Ekhuphumleni and Marselle are a testament to their unwavering commitment to improving their lives and those of future generations.