MAMA SINDI´S - SOUPKITCHENS

Mama Sindi is over 60 years old, yet she burns with immense energy for her work and the children in the Imizamo Yethu township in Hout Bay, a township in Cape Town. Together with her helpers, she ensures every day that a warm meal is ready. Her day begins at 5:00 AM, and punctually from 4:00 PM, they are standing there—children of various ages from the poorest backgrounds, suffering from hunger.

Petra, HIT Help In Time (HIT), has been working closely with Mama Sindi for over nine years to provide the children in Imizamo Yethu, affectionately called IY, not only with food but also with warmth and care. For Mama Sindi, Petra is far more than just a supporter: she is a mentor who stands by the project with advice and action. She is a loyal friend who can always be relied upon. And she is an inexhaustible source of ideas, constantly providing new impulses to sustainably improve the lives of the children in the township.

At the same time, HIT gives the children the gift of time. While Mama Sindi and her team prepare and serve the warm meal, HIT volunteers take care of the waiting time—with games, dancing, and laughing together. This leaves plenty of room for personal attention, conversation, and building the children's trust. The collaboration creates continuous, holistic care: Mama Sindi provides the daily food, HIT strengthens the financial foundation, and intentionally invests time in the children so they feel seen, supported, and hopeful. 

SIYAKHULA DAYCARE

Shaping a strong future with education and laughter

The Siyakhula project is growing right alongside the children. What began as a heartfelt initiative in Mama Sindi's infant nursery has now reached a major milestone: the Siyakhula Daycare for children aged 3 to 5 has officially moved into its very own four walls!

In an environment that is often defined by extreme challenges, we provide these children with a reliable anchor point for their personal and educational development.

What makes the Siyakhula Daycare special

A dedicated safe space:

The children now have their own building specifically tailored to their needs, offering them safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

A structured daily routine:

From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the children experience a day filled with educational activities, playtime, and shared community experiences.

Targeted early development:

Alongside free play, we place great emphasis on learning and playfully preparing the children for their upcoming transition to preschool.

Holistic growth:

Laughter, social interaction, and fostering cognitive skills are at the absolute center of our daily work to close the educational gap as early as possible.

SIYAKHULA CRÉCHE (0-2 JAHRE)

A safe start in life for the littlest ones (0–2 years)

In the Siyakhula Creche, which grew out of Mama Sindi’s original initiative, 15 infants and toddlers up to the age of two currently find a loving and secure temporary home. While living conditions in the townships are often defined by instability, this project provides a protected space for the most critical phase of early childhood development.

What the project achieves:

Holistic care:

From 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the children receive comprehensive care and educational guidance.

Education from day one:

We invest in the quality of care by providing targeted training for our educators.

Empowering women:

Reliable 12-hour care gives mothers the opportunity to go to work, enabling them to secure their families' livelihoods independently.

Personal commitment:

The HIT – Help In Time team is personally active on the ground to ensure that every donation arrives exactly where it is needed most.