DURBAN - The Sibaya Community Trust has invested R400 000 in building a custom-made fully functional soup kitchen at the Blackburn informal settlement in Cornubia, north of Durban.
The large-scale settlement is situated within the boundary of the Cornubia Integrated Human Settlement Development and is home to approximately 8 000 people.
Many residents are unemployed or are migrant workers looking for part-time jobs, attracted by the ongoing development of the uMhlanga, Izinga and Sibaya regions.
The soup kitchen, which was installed within the Ithuba Centre, will serve hundreds of the most vulnerable people living under challenging conditions.
Vivian Reddy, the chairperson of Sibaya Casino and Community Trust, said it was a blessing to save people from the discomfort of hunger.
Reddy said they were also committed to helping the needy with groceries, utensils and equipment to render the facility operational until June 30, 2022.
“We are delighted to announce that we have approved funding of R750 000 for the upgrade of a building within the Ithuba Centre to be used for many social, recreational, and entrepreneurial programmes that will be introduced.
“It is heartening to note that the surrounding communities of Umhlanga Ridge and Izinga Hills Estate are helping to keep the centre tidy with regular bush clearing and grass cutting,” he said.
He added that the Blackburn Project showed that when communities came together, a huge impact could be made.
Reddy said the fight against hunger was crucial, as it would help to reduce crime.
Daily News