MUNSIEVILLE, Gauteng — As the November local government elections approach, the pressing reality of the Pango Camp hunger crisis in Munsieville takes precedence over political campaigning. At the heart of this informal settlement outside Krugersdorp, a dedicated Munsieville soup kitchen founded by Elise Saunders is providing a critical lifeline, serving daily meals to dozens of vulnerable residents who might otherwise be forced to scavenge for food.
Every day, hungry children, pensioners, and people living with disabilities flock to the local initiative to secure their meal for the day. Saunders, who currently lives in a run-down shack at the edge of the informal settlement after being evicted from Coronation Park in 2014, was moved to action after witnessing a devastating reality in her own community.
“It breaks my heart to see other children eat out of a dumpster because I won’t let my kids eat out of a dumpster,” Saunders explained, noting that this heartbreaking sight was the direct catalyst for starting the soup kitchen.
Her love and generosity have since touched countless lives in the divided town, forging an unexpected and powerful bond across racial and economic lines. Beneficiaries of the kitchen have expressed profound gratitude for the initiative.
“We are very grateful for what they are doing for us,” shared one community member who relies on the kitchen. “ML and their supporters are cooking for us, and sponsors are helping so that everybody can come and get food for free. There are people who are not working here, and there are people who are suffering and need this food. They are showing kindness to their people.”
Despite facing their own severe financial struggles and the trauma of past eviction, Saunders and her family remain committed to improving the lives of those around them.
“It feels good to see that you can help someone else,” Saunders said. “Even though you don’t have much, the little you have, you can still help someone else.”
As political jostling intensifies and candidates scramble to garner votes ahead of the upcoming local government polls, the daily reality for residents of the Pango Camp informal settlement remains stark. For these struggling community members, the most urgent concern is not who is in power, but where their next meal will come from.
