BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – This Christmas, Berachah Kitchen, a popular restaurant in Manzini, warmed the hearts of struggling families by donating food hampers to three households facing hardship in Mankayane, Luve, and Ngwane Park.
Known for its signature Kota meals, the restaurant embarked on a community outreach campaign to support the less fortunate during the festive season. The initiative sought to embody the true meaning of Christmas—generosity, compassion, and hope.
Speaking on behalf of Berachah Kitchen, Lenhle Hlophe shared that the gesture was inspired by the Christian values of the restaurant’s founder, who strongly believes in giving back as a demonstration of God’s love. “We are simply doing what is required of any child of God,” Hlophe said. “In everything we do, we make sure to involve God. This initiative was born out of a desire to uplift those in need.”
The food parcels were thoughtfully curated to meet the immediate needs of the recipient families, containing staples such as rice, sugar, and cooking oil, as well as protein-rich chicken portions, fresh vegetables, and a special Christmas treat to bring extra cheer.
The restaurant partnered with its brand ambassadors, Mzwandile “Stufuza we Country” Dlamini and Lenhle “DreamFlowr” Hlophe, who personally delivered the parcels. The ambassadors emphasized the importance of community support and praised the restaurant’s dedication to making a difference.
“It’s a privilege to work with Berachah Kitchen on such an important initiative,” said Dlamini. “We are committed to ensuring that families across the country have a brighter Christmas, and this partnership allows us to put smiles on faces during the holiday season.”
In addition to the donations, the families shared heartfelt messages of gratitude. One recipient, a single mother from Luve, expressed her relief and joy, saying, “This support means so much to my family. We didn’t know how we would celebrate Christmas, but Berachah Kitchen has given us hope.”
Hlophe revealed that this was just the beginning of the restaurant’s community initiatives. Plans are already underway to expand their efforts in 2025, with the aim of donating food hampers to at least ten families across the country.
“This year, we wanted to start small but impactful,” Hlophe said. “Next year, we hope to touch even more lives because we believe in the power of giving back and sharing God’s blessings.”
The restaurant’s customers also played a significant role in the initiative. According to Berachah Kitchen, proceeds from select menu items were channeled toward funding the campaign, allowing patrons to contribute indirectly to the cause.
“This is not just about us as a restaurant but about bringing the community together,” Hlophe added. “We are grateful to our loyal customers who made this possible. Their support fuels our mission to uplift others.”
The initiative has been widely praised on social media, with many commending Berachah Kitchen for leading by example and inspiring others to give back. As the restaurant continues its mission to create positive change, it has set a benchmark for corporate social responsibility within the local business community.
