How a Sunday morning in our kitchen led us straight to where we were needed most.
Last Sunday started the way many of our Sunday mornings do... with good intentions and a frying pan. I woke up early and began what I always somehow convince myself is a good idea: making pancakes with cinnamon and sugar for the whole family. To feed our crowd, that means over 100 pancakes. Three hours behind the stove, followed by 30 minutes of dusting, rolling, and trying not to inhale too much cinnamon. By the time I collapsed onto the couch with a cup of coffee, I was done... laughing to myself the way I always do, because I always start with such excitement and always end with "why do I torture myself?"
But then I watched the kids. Excited faces. Sticky fingers. Licking every last grain of sugar off their hands. And I remembered exactly why.
When the News Broke
Still catching my breath, I opened our community WhatsApp group and the morning shifted entirely. The news about Jika Joe was breaking. An informal settlement, burnt to the ground. People scattered. Many with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We went to the hall. A lady there said they would take any donations but what they needed most, right then, was a warm meal.
We put out an appeal and our community showed up.
Within a short time we had gathered:
- 3 full loads of clothing, pillows, blankets, and towels
- 1 fully packed load of food and toiletries
- A warm meal of pap and stew for around 160 people
Our children and teenagers rolled up their sleeves and helped prepare every pot of that meal themselves. Watching them work — quietly understanding how blessed they are, and choosing to give from that place — is one of the proudest moments we have had at Thandi House in a long time.
Now: Helping Them Rebuild
The immediate crisis has been met, but the real work of rebuilding is just beginning. As families return to what remains and start piecing their homes back together, they need the basics.
We are now collecting the following household items:
- Buckets (97 needed)
- Brooms
- Pots and pans
- Plates, bowls, mugs
- Knives, forks, spoons
- Dishwashing liquid (750ml or smaller)
- Handy Andy
- Any other household essentials
Any condition welcome. Drop-offs can be made at Thandi House.
If you would prefer to make a financial donation toward purchasing these items, please use the reference "Jika Joe" so we can allocate it correctly. Banking details are available at thandihouse.com/support
To everyone who donated clothing, food, toiletries, and their time over the past week — thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. Please continue to keep the Jika Joe community in your prayers, as well as all those working tirelessly on the ground to help them recover.
Because sometimes a Sunday morning of pancakes reminds you exactly how much you have and exactly what to do with it.
The Thandi House Family
