Elderly women from deep rural communities in northern KwaZulu-Natal say they will remain forever grateful after receiving food parcels that helped them get through the festive season with dignity.

The women were among hundreds of vulnerable residents who benefitted from a food distribution drive led through the Mike Mabuyakhulu Foundation, which distributed 800 food parcels to households facing severe hardship.

Among the recipients were Nanile Gumede from Haliya Village, Bajabulile Shangase from Gumbi Village and Manesi Ntombi Menyuka from Othobothini in Jozini, an area where unemployment and poverty continue to affect many families.

They said the festive season would have been marked by hunger if the intervention had not arrived when it did.

Gumede said her household is stretched by unemployment and dependency on social grants.

“I’m staying with five unemployed kids of mine and thirteen grandkids. No one is employed and we rely more on social grants. When I was informed that I was nominated to be part of the recipients, I was excited because I knew we were going to enjoy December holidays like any other families,” she said.

Shangase described the moment she was called forward as overwhelming.

“I was over the moon when I was mentioned to come forward and received. The joy I had, I even wished to throw away my walking stick but I was going to fall down,” she said.

Menyuka said the support is vital in communities where many older women are widowed and unemployed.

“I’m grateful to the Mike Mabuyakhulu Foundation for what they are doing for the people of Jozini. I wish him nothing but more heart to give because he knows that most people here are widows and are unemployed,” she said.

Ward 8 Branch Task Team Coordinator Mandisa Shabangu said the initiative strengthened local efforts to support the elderly and address youth unemployment.

“We are very grateful to be part of this initiative and we continue working together, especially since we want to work with them in assisting the youth to be empowered education-wise and get jobs. We are very grateful and we wish to do more come December 2026,” she said.

Community leaders say the need for food support remains urgent as many households continue to rely on grants, informal work and seasonal support, especially during school holidays when costs rise.

The foundation has indicated that its outreach focuses on food security and community support in vulnerable areas, with local partners calling for continued collaboration beyond festive seasons.

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Mashatile encouraged citizens to use the Christmas period to strengthen family bonds, care for the vulnerable, and extend kindness to those in need, particularly communities facing economic hardship.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by frontline workers including police officers, healthcare professionals, emergency services, and essential workers who remain on duty during the holidays to keep the country safe and functioning.

The Deputy President urged road users to travel responsibly, obey traffic laws, and prioritise safety to prevent unnecessary loss of life during the festive season.

Mashatile also called for restraint, respect, and tolerance, reminding South Africans that social cohesion and mutual respect remain vital to building a stable and prosperous nation.

He concluded by wishing all South Africans a joyous Christmas and expressed hope for a renewed sense of unity, peace, and progress in the year ahead.

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