MORE than 300 homeless people were fed at the Service Dining Room in Zonnebloem by Souper Troopers as part of the Nelson Mandela Day service.
Souper Troopers are a group of friends and volunteers who come together once a month to make soup for less fortunate people.
Yesterday, the homeless had more than just a meal; they sang, played games, were given blankets and had haircuts.
Volunteers served bread, soup, biscuits and sweets.
Besides the blankets that were provided, there were social games such as pool and table tennis.
Sleeping bags and toiletries were distributed to the homeless, with the afternoon ending with music and celebrations.
Today is the annual international day in honour of Mandela, and the day is celebrated to pay tribute to Madiba's legacy of selflessness.
Kerry Hoffman, director of Food Fantasy, which organised the event together with Souper Troopers, said the occasion created a diner feel for the homeless and availed an opportunity some had never experienced in their lives.
Hoffman said the cost for the occasion was covered by generous friends and members of Souper Troopers.
“It is very important that we gave smiles to their faces," she said.
She added that the turn-out was great as the organisers were expecting only a small number to attend.
“Giving to the less fortunate should not be once-off but a daily occurrence. The people need love and appreciation,” said Hoffman.
Miranda Jacobs, 23, who has been living in the CBD for four years, said she enjoyed the food and music.
She said that as a homeless person, she had not been exposed to playing games or socialising, only looking for her next meal.
“It’s not every day that I eat such a meal, sometimes days go by without eating. The music was great and I wish this could happen almost every day,” she said.
Alvina September, 67, who said she has been homeless almost all her life, said she did not know about the event, only noticing when she saw a huge crowd gather at the venue.
“I came and was welcome, and there were no questions asked. Today we are treated like queens in the name of Tata Mandela.
"The free food should not end today, it must continue,” she said.