‘Mama’ helps feed hungry school children

Known as a guardian angel who feeds the city’s hungry job seekers, the elderly “mama” Iris Mqotsi has now taken more than 70 needy children under her wing.

Not one to spend her golden years doing nothing, the 72- year-old Mqotsi visits Ilitha Senior Primary School near Berlin on a weekly basis to feed school kids.

This, after one of the teachers told her how children came to school on empty stomachs.

Although the school forms part of the feeding scheme, no food has apparently been delivered since just before the June holidays. “As the teacher was telling me the whole story, I cried because I know how it feels to be hungry,” she said.

Mqotsi said she had to meet with her colleague at the East London Rotary Club, Glen Wilson, in order for them to provide food for the kids.

“I have had a good relationship with the school and I could not sit and do nothing so I phoned all my sponsors, who gladly assist when I knock on their doors,” she said.

Mqotsi is no stranger to the school and the community of Ilitha. Earlier this year she gave late Christmas presents to children from impoverished families. The gifts included clothes, toiletries, food and toys donated by the people of East London.

The Dispatch accompanied Mqotsi to the school yesterday, where the old woman was welcomed with smiling faces.

The kids then gathered at the hall to wait for their food. With the help of the school’s cooks, Mqotsi started dishing up for the hungry bunch.

Before tucking in, the pupils sang a traditional Xhosa hymn and a short prayer.

“Umngqusho onenyama (samp with meat) – it smells good,” said Grade 6 pupil Nelisiwe Thafeni, as she lifted the plate closer to her mouth.

“I am enjoying the food, thanks to mama.”

Another pupil, Masilakhe Plaatjie , said he ate breakfast before school in the morning and then depended on the school feeding scheme for food during the day. “I am happy that mama is bringing us food at school because sometimes there is nothing,” he said.

Education Department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima acknowledged there were problems with the scheme and said the department was currently processing all payments.

(This story is courtesy of The Dispatch. Used with permission.)