By MZWANDILE MAMAILA
Phumla Mngcongo exemplifies Makhanda’s sense of humanity. She is the founder of a kitchen, but has a lot more planned for her community.
Mngcongo has been unemployed for the past four years, yet she still manages to keep her children, her relatives, and the community of Makhanda fed. With the financial assistance from two ‘good samaritans’, Mngcongo ran the kitchen for a year.
After stepping down from 20 years working at a Rhodes University cafeteria, Mngcongo felt the need to tackle the needs of her community. With the experience of working with thousands of students and assisting her mother in raising her younger siblings, Mngcongo has always had the spirit of helping.
Mngcongo aims to establish a community centre that will provide social workers, counsellors, and nurses who can help counter substance abuse.
“Start with the little ones so we can brighten the future – you can build leaders for tomorrow,” says Mngcongo.
Unfortunately, her dream is currently on hold. She has lost funding from the two ‘good samaritans’ and cannot resume assisting her community.
How you can help
If you wish to help out Mngcongo’s drive towards the needs of the community feel free to contact her for donations.
Phumla Mngcongo, 63A Daniels Street, 0605665676
