A Doctor and a pastor have joined forces to bring warmth and nourishment to struggling residents through a new soup kitchen at the heart of Batho Location in Bloemfontein.

Driven by a deep-seated commitment to serve her community, Dr Debi Moagi partnered with Rev. Siyabonga Nzewuza from the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) to launch the soup kitchen. Every Thursday they provide warm, nutritious vegetable soup to those in need, offering a vital lifeline during the harsh Free State winter.

Moagi said the idea for the soup kitchen emerged from a shared vision with Nzewuza to solve pressing problems such as poverty in their community.

Some of the congregation members preparing food for the community in Batho Location, Photo supplied 

“We aim to expand this soup kitchen, and that can only happen through the support of the community and donors. In this harsh cold Bloemfontein weather, we know that a warm meal is quite important, and many are struggling to even get a single meal for the day.” 

Beyond providing meals, Moagi explained the UCCSA church serves as a safe space for community members to interact and emphasised the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inspiring others to engage in acts of kindness and service.

“We believe that sharing is caring, and caring is sharing. By addressing basic needs, we can help individuals and families focus on other important aspects of their lives, such as education and employment, ultimately contributing to the overall upliftment of the community,” she added.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg