Members of the freshest klopse on the scene came together in Mitchells Plain on Saturday to host a mass boeka where about 3000 people from all walks of life were served a hearty meal.
Members of Playaz Inc. set up camp at the Durus-Salaam Masjid on the corner of Erica and Marinda streets, in Lost City, and started the preparation for the mass iftar.
They served ten 100 litre pots of akni, ten 100 litre pots of soup, 1000 loaves of bread and more than 2000 cooldrinks, among others.
All the ingredients and items were collected by members of the minstrel troupe and their families.
Playaz Inc. director Achmat Williams says the team has been holding their mass boekas in Ramadaan since they were established a few years back.
LINING UP: 10 100 litre pots of soup were served to people. Photo: Supplied
Williams said it made him feel good knowing the core values of the team are being put to use to do good.
“When we started this organisation, we had two main goals,” he says.
“We wanted to preserve our culture and we wanted to make a difference in our community and uplift them.
“With this in mind, we have hosted various community programmes including feeding schemes, children’s days, senior citizens carols and food parcels,” Williams said.
HEARTY: Soup to be served. Photo: Supplied
“Since this is the month of giving, we host our largest feeding scheme with iftar.
“The feeding scheme is aimed at one of the most poverty-stricken communities in Mitchells Plain.
FOOD: 1000 loaves of bread given out at the mass boeka. Photo: Supplied
“Here the high unemployment rate and drug epidemic mean many people are without food to eat and we feel that this is the community in Mitchells Plain with the greatest need.”
Williams commended the generosity of his team and their families, saying it has made a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members in the community
“Seeing those little ones, the two-year-olds, queuing to get a meal was very moving,” he says.
“Our organisation is impacting lives and changing the status quo and impacting the youth.
“Whether it’s just a loaf of bread that was donated, I want to thank all our members for their selfless sacrifice and embracing our team values.
“We were able to feed almost 3000 people, just by talking about it (casually). Imagine what could happen if everyone learnt the importance and (acted upon the act) of giving back.”