An elderly Beacon Valley couple have opened their hearts and home to feed more than 300 people, mostly children and pensioners, every other week.
Sharifa and Abduragmaan Adams, who have been living in the area for close to 44 years, believe “the hand that gives is better than the hand that receives.”
“I love feeding people, I just love it. It’s only me and my husband, as our children are all adults and have their own homes. We are pensioners but we continue doing what we can to help others.
“Thousands of children in Mitchell’s Plain go hungry daily and many elderly people don’t even get to see or enjoy their pension grant because the money is depleted the same day.
“Whatever we have, we give it to the people because that is just who we are,” said Ms Adams.
The Adams couple have been feeding needy people in the area for several years but stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, a young man from the neighbourhood asked Ms Adams when they would resume their feeding scheme.
Shortly after, she connected with Rushana Omer from An-Nasr Foundation, a charity organisation that assists the needy, for help with meals and the rest as they say, is history. The organisation has been supporting the couple with ingredients, equipment, cooking utensils and volunteers since then.
“My father started the organisation in 2017 – he had a business in Philippi. He gave his employees the opportunity to grow their own vegetables from his business premises and then started feeding them and people from the surrounding community.
“Before he passed away in July 2021, he asked me to continue with his charity work. Three months after his passing, I approached Aunty Sharifa, they were just pensioners. I could see that they were very humble. Whenever I went there, I would see her feeding people. She would even give of her last,” said Ms Omar.
Earlier this month, the Adams couple and An-Nasr Foundation gave 150 elderly women the royal treatment at their third annual Women’s Day luncheon. The women were treated to a hearty meal, sweet treats, and local entertainment in a relaxing and stress-free atmosphere.
Mr Adams said many seniors do not receive love and support from their children and grandchildren.
“For many pensioners, the pension grant is not theirs. It’s abused by the children or even the grandchildren. They are not even in possession of their pension card because they are not able to get to the pay point.
“That’s also why we treat the ladies to a special lunch during Women’s Month. We want to show them that there are people who care and think they deserve something special,” said Mr Adams.
