BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBIKWAKHE – An act of compassion unfolded on Monday as Bangani Foundation officially handed over a state-of-the-art soup kitchen, valued at E500 000, to the Mbikwakhe community, a gift made possible through a heartfelt collaboration with HXP from the United States and Lutfo Dlamini Foundation.
The handover ceremony was more than a ribbon-cutting, it was a moment of hope, unity, and promise. Community members, dignitaries, and donors came together to celebrate a facility that will now serve daily meals to over 100 children and elderly people in the community.
Speaking with emotion and pride, Bangani Foundation Co-Founder Nontobeko “Nonty” Simelane described the soup kitchen as “a dream come true.”
She explained that the vision was born from a simple but profound place, their first child’s desire for friendship.
“We started with five children and a heart full of purpose. Today, we’re not just feeding mouths, we’re feeding futures,” she said.
Built by a group of American student volunteers working hand-in-hand with Mbikwakhe residents, the classy facility includes a dining hall, offices, bathrooms, and storage rooms, offering safety, structure, and dignity to young lives in need.
HXP representatives, who supported the project, expressed joy at being part of something so meaningful. “We’ve enjoyed working alongside this incredible community and are proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said one official.
In a show of shared purpose, Bangani Foundation also announced a strategic partnership with the Lutfo Dlamini Foundation, which pledged to support the soup kitchen with regular mushroom donations and free mushroom farming training for both youth and elders.
This will help boost food production and equip the community with valuable agricultural skills.
“This initiative is not only commendable but inspiring,” said Lutfo Dlamini, “and we’re excited to partner with a youthful couple whose passion for community upliftment is changing lives.”
True to its mission, Bangani Foundation fed young children and senior citizens at the event, showing that their work goes far beyond words. It’s about action, dignity, and unity.
Guests at the event, including officials from HXP, the Lutfo Dlamini Foundation, community leaders, and volunteers, took time to tour the modern facility, celebrating the achievement and what it stands for.
With its doors now officially open, the Mbikwakhe Soup Kitchen stands not just as a building, but as a beacon of global friendship, grassroots leadership, and community-driven change.
