South Africa Limpopo Pfunani

Another day, a different direction, but with the same partner: Hands at Work. I took the VW Transporter to Hands base and was met by Dan, a friend from our church in White River. He is the sort of guy you want to put on tap, so you could possibly steal some of his enthusiasm. After exchanging pleasantries he said: ‘Nigel, this food is a game changer for us’.  

As an English Premier League football supporter and sufferer, you hear this sort of statement a lot, along with ‘majestic’; ‘biggest game of the season’ and ‘it’s the one we have all been waiting for’. Nine times out of 10, hype never lives up to the statement or overblown language. So, to be truthful I was a bit sceptical of ‘game changer’ language from my friend.

So I asked, what do you mean? He explained that this food means children will eat. The school is closed therefore there is no morning meal (usually provided by the school). There is no paid work for the Gogos (Grannies), and therefore no money to buy food for children or families.

When you also add into the complex nature of life here that there are many children and adults with no SA id papers which would allow access to government support. These children did not plan life to be stateless, homeless and paperless, and for the many orphans this is not a lifestyle choice. They are hungry helpless victims and I know that phrase is overused also.

My guide and companion for the day was Sisanda a young Christian man working for his church. His usual community would be young university students trying to make it through life in this changing country. He spends today with me! And he offers a great insight into the challenges, (and we are supposed to say opportunities), that are before young South Africans.

I won’t mention the puncture on the way to Pfunani, and how we overcame that challenge, but three hours into the journey I am thinking, (not outloud), ‘don’t we have some local poor hungry people? This is a long way!’  Pfunani, Hands care centre, is situated at the edge of Welverdiend, about a third of the way North, on the Western boundary of Kruger Park (on the map it looks like it is in the park!)

On arrival we found Dan, the Game changer friend (he did not have a puncture!), his enthusiasm and joy still overflowing into the community he serves.

After the food was unloaded, with help from the local team, who do not get paid to care and cook for these children. They shared their deep thanks for what I had given and done for them. But I tell them that I was just the driver, the disciple of Jesus learning new things for the day, meeting new people, being reminded of the joy of serving others; just the driver. And that some lovely people back in Europe had been very generous and wanted them not to be hungry.

I could tell you stories of murder, hunger, struggles and abandonment, but I won’t. Because like Mary, things to ponder are: Dan was right it is ‘a game changer’; Dan and the team are still there serving with enthusiasm and joy; children are being fed and cared for; Sisanda is looking forward to going back and serving at the university, and Mercy Air was able to make a ‘Small But significant Difference’ to someone’s life.           

1.            Where: South Africa Limpopo Pfunani

2.            When: 21/5/2020

3.            With: Hands at Work 

4.            Beneficiaries: Many poor Mozambique children  

5.            What needs MA Transport, 42 food boxes and 42x10kg Maize Meal 

6.            Key Facts and Figures:   

·         340 KM driven in the Transporter

·         42 food parcels plus maize

·         Nigel MA driver, one ‘Hands’ guide, and 10 ‘Hands’ workers at center.

·         The centre feeds supports 75 children per day Health care, Education and Christian teaching included.

·         This is an ongoing project for Hands at Work, but MA were able to assist with transport during the COVID19 pandemic.