For Mandela Day, HOT 102.7FM says that it wanted to do more to honour the legacy of South Africa's former president with a focus on materially changing the lives of a section of the community by doing something that would really "move the needle".
So, starting at 18:00 on Monday, 15 July — under the strict instruction and supervision of building professionals — the HOT 102.7FM crew worked in shifts all week long, lending their DIY skills and time to ensure the 13:00 deadline — and the culmination of the 67 hours — was met on Mandela Day with a finished renovation project, says the radio station.
 
"A truly humbling experience," says Lloyd Madurai, managing director of HOT 102.7FM. "But, this is what Hot Cares is all about and helping members of the community — particularly those helping others — is very much part of the HOT 102.7FM DNA. Fred and Martie's Soup Kitchen is such a worthy recipient, and we're grateful to have had the opportunity to make a difference, particularly with the slogan of this year's Mandela Day being, 'It is still in your hands to combat poverty and inequity.'"
According to the radio station, Fred & Martie's Soup Kitchen in Claremont now has:
  • a new kitchen 
  • bathrooms
  • a Wendy house 
  • a learning centre 
  • a wheelchair ramp
  • a basketball court
  • a jungle gym, and 
  • a therapy garden.
Fred and Martie's Soup Kitchen was founded by Fred and Martie Hughes in 1981 and has been caring for the Claremont community for over 40 years, currently feeding approximately 450 children and 150 adults every day, the radio station says. 

The centre is now run by Fred and Martie's daughter, Yolindi Oberholzer, who has continued the good work and legacy of her parents, ensuring the Claremont community has a safe and reliable haven for those in need, with the soup kitchen going above and beyond just feeding hundreds of residents every day, says HOT 102.7FM. 

As a registered non-profit organisation, Fred and Martie's Soup Kitchen obviously receives limited funding and the centre was in need of a makeover — something that was beyond the means of the Oberholzers, adds the radio station. 

"Today, you guys have changed our world. We didn't have any expectations, but you guys made it possible," says Oberholzer. "Something that seemed impossible to us and something we never in our wildest dreams would have imagined, expanding the kitchen, for example, and just making it so much more comfortable for us to cook for our elderly and the kids every day. We can't thank you enough, HOT 1027! We're just so grateful, and I’m completely overwhelmed."

For Oberholzer, watching the crew refurbish this crucial community centre where she grew up was a 67-hour emotional rollercoaster, but one with a very happy ending, and for the HOT 102.7FM members on site, it was a fitting way to honour the legacy of Madiba, concludes the radio station. 

For more information, visit www.hot1027.co.za. You can also follow HOT 102.7FM on Facebook, X or on Instagram.
 
*Image courtesy of contributor