'This gives us dignity': The R2 meal that's a lifeline in Cape Town
The NPO serves about 250 daily meals at a cost of R2. It has served millions of meals since opening in 1935. The Service Dining Rooms rely entirely on public donations, trust contributions and bequests.
James Browne, the great-nephew of co-founder Doris Syfret, said it was extraordinary that something started in the Great Depression was still going.
'It has been because of people's goodwill that this place still exists. She [Syfret] noticed that there was this great need and there was something she could do about it. It's extraordinary really,' he said.
Browne paid tribute to the board, staff and volunteers for keeping the dining room going.
The organisation serves every age group, prioritising women, children, elderly, disabled individuals and transgender people. Clients include people experiencing homelessness, pensioners, low-wage earners and food insecurity.
The NPO also owns the building. Recent donations have enabled them to make necessary renovations to modernise the kitchen facilities, dining areas and client amenities while preserving the building's character.
Rachel Browne, the great-niece of Syfret, said a strong foundation for the organisation was laid. 'I was too young to know her personally as an adult, but her whole life was about service and giving. Everything was generous,' she said.
The organisation operates with six full-time staff and relies on community support, including volunteers from the University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and local high schools, and key partnerships with SA Harvest, I&J, Food Forward SA and local businesses to sustain operations.
Usually, clients line up at the counter for their meal. However, on this occasion, they were served by the founder's family members, volunteers and staff. Lunch is served promptly at noon.
Zamile August, who lives at a shelter, said the dining room was important, describing the organisation as a 'priceless' place for those who had fallen on hard times and were looking to get back on their feet.
'This place is very important for us because it is affordable,' said August. 'Historically, poor people have been treated badly. But, in the five years since I started coming here, I've seen the respect. This gives us dignity.'
Patience Langa, who lives in an informal settlement, is also a regular client. Unemployed, she said it was affordable.
Marcel Rousseau, who used to be homeless, was at the lunch on Friday. 'I ended up in a place where you feel totally alone in this world, where nobody cares. But this place and the people that volunteer here ... it inspired me to get a place. I would have given up if it wasn't for them.'
He said nothing should be taken for granted. 'Value every day you are given. Make full use of it, you don't realise what you have when you have it. Don't take any day for granted because it could be your last. Look for the good,' he said.
When Nozuko Klaas started working at the Service Dining Rooms in 2013, she had no idea she would be there more than a decade later.
'You see all different kinds of people. What we've noticed is that people come with different circumstances, and different circumstances bring people to the streets,' she said.
Since they rely on donations, they have to be innovative in the kitchen. 'We never had the same meal [twice]. We cook what we have because we work with donations. But every time we make sure we make a hearty meal.'
Klaas said patience was required, but working there was rewarding. Meals cost five cents when she started there.
Dr Laurine Platzky, chair of the board, said: 'What began as a response to unemployment during the Great Depression has evolved into an essential lifeline for hundreds of people daily. Our commitment remains unchanged and the need still exists.
'We assist everyone from construction workers to former professionals. Food insecurity can affect anyone, and we're here to serve regardless of background, nationality or circumstances.'
The organisation is expected to host a formal celebration in October with about 150 guests, including long-time clients, supporters and community partners.
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The Herald
2 days ago
- The Herald
'This gives us dignity': The R2 meal that's a lifeline in Cape Town
Every weekday hundreds of people line up at The Service Dining Rooms for a warm meal in Cape Town's CBD. A stormy Friday afternoon was no exception for the organisation, which turns 90 this year. For many, it was the only meal they would get for the day. The NPO serves about 250 daily meals at a cost of R2. It has served millions of meals since opening in 1935. The Service Dining Rooms rely entirely on public donations, trust contributions and bequests. James Browne, the great-nephew of co-founder Doris Syfret, said it was extraordinary that something started in the Great Depression was still going. 'It has been because of people's goodwill that this place still exists. She [Syfret] noticed that there was this great need and there was something she could do about it. It's extraordinary really,' he said. Browne paid tribute to the board, staff and volunteers for keeping the dining room going. The organisation serves every age group, prioritising women, children, elderly, disabled individuals and transgender people. Clients include people experiencing homelessness, pensioners, low-wage earners and food insecurity. The NPO also owns the building. Recent donations have enabled them to make necessary renovations to modernise the kitchen facilities, dining areas and client amenities while preserving the building's character. Rachel Browne, the great-niece of Syfret, said a strong foundation for the organisation was laid. 'I was too young to know her personally as an adult, but her whole life was about service and giving. Everything was generous,' she said. The organisation operates with six full-time staff and relies on community support, including volunteers from the University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and local high schools, and key partnerships with SA Harvest, I&J, Food Forward SA and local businesses to sustain operations. Usually, clients line up at the counter for their meal. However, on this occasion, they were served by the founder's family members, volunteers and staff. Lunch is served promptly at noon. Zamile August, who lives at a shelter, said the dining room was important, describing the organisation as a 'priceless' place for those who had fallen on hard times and were looking to get back on their feet. 'This place is very important for us because it is affordable,' said August. 'Historically, poor people have been treated badly. But, in the five years since I started coming here, I've seen the respect. This gives us dignity.' Patience Langa, who lives in an informal settlement, is also a regular client. Unemployed, she said it was affordable. Marcel Rousseau, who used to be homeless, was at the lunch on Friday. 'I ended up in a place where you feel totally alone in this world, where nobody cares. But this place and the people that volunteer here ... it inspired me to get a place. I would have given up if it wasn't for them.' He said nothing should be taken for granted. 'Value every day you are given. Make full use of it, you don't realise what you have when you have it. Don't take any day for granted because it could be your last. Look for the good,' he said. When Nozuko Klaas started working at the Service Dining Rooms in 2013, she had no idea she would be there more than a decade later. 'You see all different kinds of people. What we've noticed is that people come with different circumstances, and different circumstances bring people to the streets,' she said. Since they rely on donations, they have to be innovative in the kitchen. 'We never had the same meal [twice]. We cook what we have because we work with donations. But every time we make sure we make a hearty meal.' Klaas said patience was required, but working there was rewarding. Meals cost five cents when she started there. Dr Laurine Platzky, chair of the board, said: 'What began as a response to unemployment during the Great Depression has evolved into an essential lifeline for hundreds of people daily. Our commitment remains unchanged and the need still exists. 'We assist everyone from construction workers to former professionals. Food insecurity can affect anyone, and we're here to serve regardless of background, nationality or circumstances.' The organisation is expected to host a formal celebration in October with about 150 guests, including long-time clients, supporters and community partners. TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
'This gives us dignity': The R2 meal that's a lifeline in Cape Town
Every weekday hundreds of people line up at The Service Dining Rooms for a warm meal in Cape Town's CBD. A stormy Friday afternoon was no exception for the organisation, which turns 90 this year. For many, it was the only meal they would get for the day. The NPO serves about 250 daily meals at a cost of R2. It has served millions of meals since opening in 1935. The Service Dining Rooms rely entirely on public donations, trust contributions and bequests. James Browne, the great-nephew of co-founder Doris Syfret, said it was extraordinary that something started in the Great Depression was still going. 'It has been because of people's goodwill that this place still exists. She [Syfret] noticed that there was this great need and there was something she could do about it. It's extraordinary really,' he said. Browne paid tribute to the board, staff and volunteers for keeping the dining room going. The organisation serves every age group, prioritising women, children, elderly, disabled individuals and transgender people. Clients include people experiencing homelessness, pensioners, low-wage earners and food insecurity. The NPO also owns the building. Recent donations have enabled them to make necessary renovations to modernise the kitchen facilities, dining areas and client amenities while preserving the building's character. Rachel Browne, the great-niece of Syfret, said a strong foundation for the organisation was laid. 'I was too young to know her personally as an adult, but her whole life was about service and giving. Everything was generous,' she said. The organisation operates with six full-time staff and relies on community support, including volunteers from the University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and local high schools, and key partnerships with SA Harvest, I&J, Food Forward SA and local businesses to sustain operations. Usually, clients line up at the counter for their meal. However, on this occasion, they were served by the founder's family members, volunteers and staff. Lunch is served promptly at noon. Zamile August, who lives at a shelter, said the dining room was important, describing the organisation as a 'priceless' place for those who had fallen on hard times and were looking to get back on their feet. 'This place is very important for us because it is affordable,' said August. 'Historically, poor people have been treated badly. But, in the five years since I started coming here, I've seen the respect. This gives us dignity.' Patience Langa, who lives in an informal settlement, is also a regular client. Unemployed, she said it was affordable. Marcel Rousseau, who used to be homeless, was at the lunch on Friday. 'I ended up in a place where you feel totally alone in this world, where nobody cares. But this place and the people that volunteer here ... it inspired me to get a place. I would have given up if it wasn't for them.' He said nothing should be taken for granted. 'Value every day you are given. Make full use of it, you don't realise what you have when you have it. Don't take any day for granted because it could be your last. Look for the good,' he said. When Nozuko Klaas started working at the Service Dining Rooms in 2013, she had no idea she would be there more than a decade later. 'You see all different kinds of people. What we've noticed is that people come with different circumstances, and different circumstances bring people to the streets,' she said. Since they rely on donations, they have to be innovative in the kitchen. 'We never had the same meal [twice]. We cook what we have because we work with donations. But every time we make sure we make a hearty meal.' Klaas said patience was required, but working there was rewarding. Meals cost five cents when she started there. Dr Laurine Platzky, chair of the board, said: 'What began as a response to unemployment during the Great Depression has evolved into an essential lifeline for hundreds of people daily. Our commitment remains unchanged and the need still exists. 'We assist everyone from construction workers to former professionals. Food insecurity can affect anyone, and we're here to serve regardless of background, nationality or circumstances.' The organisation is expected to host a formal celebration in October with about 150 guests, including long-time clients, supporters and community partners.
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- The Citizen
Wolmer non-profit feeds hope to hundreds daily
Tucked away on Bakenkloof Street in Wolmer in the north of Pretoria, is a beacon of hope known as Tshwane North Outreach (TNO), a non-profit that transforms lives. The NPO has been operating for about three decades and has become a trusted pillar in the community. It provides not only material relief but also holistic social support, education, and developmental programmes to hundreds of vulnerable individuals and families. Founded in 1996, the organisation initially set out as a community development project. However, as poverty in the area escalated, the vision evolved to address immediate survival needs alongside long-term empowerment. Today, TNO supports children, youth, the elderly, unemployed people, and emerging welfare organisations across the northern regions of Tshwane and North West province. At the heart of the organisation's work is its commitment to poverty relief, with around 150 local families receiving daily cooked meals and fresh produce. In a typical year, it distributes over 2 400 food parcels, 5 280 loaves of bread, and thousands of clothing items, blankets, and school supplies. Manager Stephen Nell said the goal is not just to feed and clothe people, but to restore dignity and create pathways to a better future. 'Each donation and every programme we offer is rooted in our belief that no one should be left behind simply because they were born into poverty.' One of TNO's flagship initiatives is its pre-school education programme, where 35 Grade RR and R children from disadvantaged backgrounds are taught by qualified educators. The young learners also receive nutritional meals, school uniforms, and psychosocial support to prepare them for formal education. Complementing this is the after-school centre, which supports 80 learners from grades 1 to 12 with homework supervision, access to a library and media centre, and stationery and schoolbags. Nell said TNO employs a registered social worker who provides family counselling, play therapy, group support, and child protection services. 'Many of these interventions arise from referrals by schools, clinics, churches, and other NGOs. The organisation further extends its hand through a mother and infant programme, support for HIV/Aids-affected households, and a substance abuse prevention programme aimed at the youth,' he said. A unique aspect of TNO is its support to emerging welfare organisations through its outreach leg, Motswedi Wa Lerato. Currently, 20 such organisations, serving over 2 800 beneficiaries in areas like Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane, Temba, and Klipgat, rely on TNO's logistical and material assistance. 'People often don't realise the scale of support needed by smaller welfare groups. 'We assist with food, clothes, and household items to ensure they can continue serving their communities with consistency and dignity,' explained Nell. TNO's impact is strenghtened through strategic partnerships with institutions like the Department of Social Development, the Pretoria North Clinic, the National Lotteries Commission, SAPS, and local churches. Private donors and the Women's Agricultural Union also play a role, especially in skills development for women and dignity pack distribution for teenage girls through collaboration with the Annebelle Foundation. During school holidays, TNO offers holiday programmes to keep children safe, engaged, and off the streets. The programmes focus on creativity, resilience, and life skills. The year ends on a joyful note with the annual Christmas party, where more than 100 children enjoy gifts, meals, and a chance to simply be kids. Despite economic challenges, especially post-2020, TNO has maintained clean audits and continues to adapt and grow. Yet, as Nell notes, sustainability remains a concern. 'We survive on the generosity of people, whether it's R50, a bag of maize or a used blanket. It all counts. 'We are calling on individuals, corporations, and faith-based institutions to walk this journey with us. There's still so much more we can do.' ALSO READ: Homeless get more than warmth at shelter Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
