Honouring Tinkies Feedings in Serepta with Our Second Community Hero Trophy
In the heart of Serepta, Kuils River, where community bonds are strong but resources are often scarce, something incredible happened. It wasn’t just another outreach, and it wasn’t just about food—it was about recognition, unity, and reminding people that they matter. Making a Change partnered with Food Socks to do something powerful: feed nearly 1,000 people in a single day while honouring the incredible work of Tinkies Feedings by awarding them our second official Community Hero Trophy.
This wasn’t just a day of giving—it was a day of transformation.
The Build-Up: A Community in Need, A Hero at Work
The community of Serepta, like many across South Africa, faces challenges that go beyond the surface. Hunger, unemployment, and poverty are everyday realities for many of its residents. Yet amid all the hardship, there are people who rise—not for applause or headlines, but because they must.
One of those people is Tinkie, the founder and driving force behind Tinkies Feedings.
Tinkie started this initiative out of her own kitchen, using what little she had to feed as many as she could. Over the years, her operation has grown—not because she had more money, but because she had more heart. Today, she feeds hundreds every week from her modest home setup, with the help of local volunteers and whatever donations come her way.
When Making a Change learned about her work, we knew immediately: this is someone who deserves to be honoured. This is what a Community Hero looks like.
The Day Everything Came Together
On the morning of our visit, the streets of Serepta were already alive with movement. A buzz had begun to build in the community. Word had spread that Making a Change was coming back—and this time, we weren’t coming alone. Thanks to our incredible sponsor, Food Socks, we had a massive goal: feed close to 1,000 people in a single day.
It was ambitious. It was bold. And it was beautiful.
As we arrived, Tinkie greeted us with her usual warmth and humility. Her team was already preparing the massive pots, cutting vegetables, boiling rice, stirring sauces, and setting up the distribution area. Despite the size of the task, there was no chaos—only purpose.
The first families started arriving long before the first plate was served. Children. Elderly. Mothers with babies strapped to their backs. Fathers who had walked from neighbouring areas. Everyone came with dignity, and everyone was treated with it in return.
What unfolded next was nothing short of a community miracle.
Feeding 1,000 People: A Lesson in Unity
With the help of Food Socks, our volunteers, and Tinkie’s incredible team, we set up serving stations and started distributing meals. The line stretched far, but it moved quickly. Each person was greeted with a smile and a warm plate of food—nutritious, filling, and lovingly made.
For some, it was their only meal of the day. For others, it was the only meal they’d had in two days.
We spoke to a father who had lost his job months ago. He brought his two children, both under 10, to get food. “We heard you were coming,” he said, “and my kids said today is going to be a lucky day.”
We saw children dancing with joy after receiving a meal. We saw volunteers hug strangers. We saw people helping one another carry plates and food parcels.
We saw community at its best.
The Moment That Mattered Most: Honouring Tinkie
In the middle of this beautiful chaos, we paused for what became the most powerful moment of the day: presenting Tinkie with the Community Hero Trophy.
With a crowd gathered and cameras rolling, we handed her our second official Making a Change Community Hero Award—a golden symbol of the love, service, and leadership she brings to Serepta.
Tinkie broke down in tears.
“This is for my people,” she said, clutching the trophy. “I didn’t ask for this. I just saw people hungry and I couldn’t sleep knowing that. This is not my work—it’s God’s work.”
The crowd erupted in applause. And in that moment, every person there felt what we felt: this woman is changing lives.
We didn’t just give her a trophy—we gave her recognition. And recognition, when given sincerely, is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer.
Why We Partnered with Food Socks
None of this would have been possible without our partner and sponsor, Food Socks. Their mission perfectly aligns with ours: to bring dignity, relief, and real impact to communities through sustainable food solutions.
Their support allowed us to scale up this event in ways we couldn’t have imagined. From ingredients to packaging to logistical support, Food Socks came in with passion and commitment, not just as a sponsor but as part of the Making a Change family.
Together, we didn’t just feed people. We told a story. We sent a message.
We said: You are not forgotten. You are not invisible. We see you. And we care.
Why This Day Meant So Much
There’s something transformative about a shared meal. It’s not just about nutrition—it’s about connection. In a country where division, inequality, and hardship are so prevalent, feeding someone is a revolutionary act.
On that day in Serepta, we didn’t just serve food—we built bridges. We reminded people that they matter. That heroes like Tinkie walk among them. That support exists. That hope is still alive.
It reminded us, too, of why we started Making a Change in the first place.
The Bigger Picture: Food Insecurity in South Africa
What we witnessed in Serepta is part of a much larger issue. South Africa’s hunger crisis is worsening. According to recent studies:
Over 30% of South African households experience food insecurity.
More than 2.5 million children go hungry every single day.
Feeding schemes and NPOs are seeing record demand—often without record support.
That’s why initiatives like Tinkies Feedings—and days like ours—are not just important. They are essential.
The Power of the Community Hero Awards
When we launched the Community Hero Awards, we did so with one mission: to recognize the people quietly transforming South Africa from the inside out.
These aren’t celebrities. They aren’t politicians. They’re ordinary people doing extraordinary things—often without support, attention, or thanks.
Tinkie is a perfect example.
By creating these awards, we’re not just giving out trophies—we’re creating a movement of recognition. A national platform where real heroes are uplifted, supported, and celebrated.
Because we believe that when you honour someone, you empower them. And when you empower one person, you ignite a chain reaction.
What’s Next for Making a Change
Our day with Tinkies Feedings was the second of many to come.
We’re expanding our Community Hero Campaign, identifying more leaders in vulnerable areas who are doing remarkable work. We’ll continue to:
Provide media coverage and spotlight their work.
Offer donations, food, and operational support.
Share their stories online to reach a wider audience.
Build lasting relationships that go beyond one-day events.
We are also launching a new Sponsor-a-Hero Program, where donors and brands can directly support local heroes every month, helping them do more with what they have.
How You Can Join the Movement
Here’s how you can be part of this journey:
🔸 Sponsor a Feeding Scheme – Whether as a company or individual, your support can help feed hundreds.
🔸 Volunteer at Our Next Event – Nothing compares to being there in person and helping hands-on.
🔸 Donate Monthly – Even R100/month can make a real difference.
🔸 Share the Stories – Use your platform to highlight real heroes.
🔸 Nominate a Hero – Know someone who’s making a change? We want to hear about them.
Every small action you take adds up to a huge impact.
Closing Thoughts: The Day We’ll Never Forget
We went to Serepta to give. But, as always, we left having received so much more.
We received inspiration. We received hope. We received the reminder that in every tough community, there are pockets of power—people like Tinkie who refuse to give up, no matter the odds.
Nearly 1,000 people were fed. One incredible woman was honoured. An entire community felt seen.
And Making a Change took one more step toward the kind of South Africa we believe in—one where dignity is restored, where children eat every day, and where heroes are celebrated, not forgotten.
Tinkie, thank you.
Serepta, thank you.
Food Socks, thank you.
The journey continues. And we’ll keep walking it—with all of you by our side.