Ziyanda Gubeni launches soup kitchen to uplift Harare's youth
Founder of Feed The Gap Foundation , Ziyanda Gubeni, said she was excited that she is able to play active role in making her community of Harare a better place to stay.
Image: siyavuya khaya
What started as a birthday gesture has become a lifeline for families in Harare, thanks to Khayelitsha mother-of-two Ziyanda Gubeni.
Ms Gubeni launched her soup kitchen last year on her birthday as a way of giving back to her community. What began as a small act of kindness has since grown into a full-fledged initiative supporting young people and families in need.
“I feed the community,” Ms Gubeni said, adding that she realised on her birthday how much people needed help.
What started from her own pocket and was driven purely by passion soon evolved into something more structured.
“I recently registered my organisation called Feed The Gap Foundation. I was also planting a seed when I did this with my salary last year. Now I want to formalize it and make it bigger.”
Today, Ms Gubeni's soup kitchen serves more than 200 people, putting smiles on faces and warmth in her heart.
“Putting a smile on someone’s face warms up my heart. “That’s what motivates me to keep going.”
Young and old lined up to get a taste of the delicious meals prepared by Ziyanda Gubeni and her team.
Image: siyavuya khaya
Her initiative is more than just meals. Every second Saturday of the month, she plans to host youth outreach programs to help young people access job opportunities, bursaries, and school support.
“I want to pull young people from our community to start looking at life from a different perspective. We’ll tackle their challenges and show them that opportunities are out there if they know where to look,” she said.
Despite her enthusiasm, funding remains a challenge.
“The main challenge is funds, and sometimes you go beyond your budgeted funds,” she said.
But she credits the generosity of others for helping her continue her work.
“I met this lovely and helpful guy, Yanga, who opened his door and supported me. The spirit of sharing and caring is something I took from my grandmother. I grew up in church, and it taught me to always help others.”
Simamkele Tembiso, Palesa Cengani and Palesa mdaka- Cengani are dishing hearty meals with smiles
Image: siyavuya khaya
She has big plans for the future. Alongside the monthly soup kitchen, she hopes to distribute school shoes and sanitary pads to children in need.
“I love a challenge, and I want to create opportunities for the young people in my community and help them network. This is only the beginning. I want to keep helping, keep teaching, and keep giving. If I can put a smile on someone’s face and inspire them, then I know I’m making a real difference."
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