Nonkululeko ‘Nonny’ Mda is a domestic helper and community heroine who uses her earnings to feed as many children as she can every Saturday in Promiseland.
Promiseland, South Africa (11 March 2025) — In the informal settlement Promiseland, Nonkululeko ‘Nonny’ Mda stands out as a community heroine.
Nonny has been feeding the community’s children for six years, and on some occasions, hungry adults, too.
A domestic helper by trade, Nonny uses her own humble earnings to provide meals for others every Saturday.
Knowing what it’s like to struggle, Nonny founded ‘Ikhaya Lethu’ (Our Home) as a means to ease tough paths in life with the simple things like a home-cooked meal.
She was raised by a single parent and has not forgotten what those moments of uncertainty—like praying over their food and not knowing whether it would be their last meal for a while—felt like.
“I live here, and every day I see families struggling to survive, children going hungry, and parents unable to find work,” reflects Nonny.
“It is heartbreaking to watch people suffer, so I made it my mission to help in anyway I can,” she says.
Nonny cooks meals for 40 to 100 people at a time. Many of the children rely on meals at school to sustain them. So, when school is out or weekends roll around, so too does hunger.
The children know Nonny as their hope.
“One day, I was walking down the street after buying cooking ingredients, and I asked some children to help me carry my bags,” Nonny recalls.
“When I admitted I didn’t have extra change to give them, they replied with gentle smiles, ‘Mama, there’s no need to pay us—we know you’re going to cook for us.’ At that moment, I felt the true spirit of our work. I truly believe this programme has made them kinder and happier, teaching them the values of kindness and generosity.”
If food runs out, Nonny serves what she can from her own pantry. Her efforts have inspired others, to the point where, if supplies are low, a lady who sells food for a living steps in to help.
“Even though she is struggling herself, she always finds a way to contribute,” Nonny says of the food seller.
Nonny has started a crowdfunding campaign to help support Ikhaya Lethu and continue her mission.
“I dream of a future where these children no longer worry about food, but can focus solely on their education and simply being kids.”
You can find her campaign here.
Sources: Supplied
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