Established in 1935, and nearly 6 million meals later the Service Dining Rooms on Canterbury Street has remained a beacon of hope in Cape Town’s city centre.
On Saturday 11 October, the organisation marked its 90th anniversary with a celebratory lunch honouring nearly a century of service.
The milestone celebration followed World Homeless Day, observed on Friday 10 October, adding timely relevance to the occasion and highlighting the continued importance of organisations working to support the city’s most vulnerable.
The Service Dining Rooms was founded during the Great Depression, as a response to growing unemployment and hunger.
Founder Doris Syfret and two friends envisioned a place where people could purchase an affordable, nutritious meal rather than receive charity.
Today, the organisation provides sit-down meals to over 200 people from Monday to Friday, charging just R2 per meal.
Laurine Platzky, chair of the Service Dining Room’s board, said that with the high cost of living, the organisation remains a crucial safety net for those who cannot afford a daily meal.
“It’s a dignified environment. People come into the facility and sit down, and they are served with dignity. We are grateful to our donors who continue to support this organisation.
“They come in food form like I&J and SA Harvest they are incredibly generous with the proteins that we serve. We also get financial contributions and those who make donations to the maintenance of the building.”
Platzky says they would not be able to continue their service without the dedication of their five employees.
“They cook and prepare the meals and do the cleaning up. We are always looking for people who will volunteer their time.”
The Service Dining Rooms will also be honoured with the Mayor’s Medal—one of the highest civic accolades awarded by the City of Cape Town at a special council meeting next month.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who attended the event, said the organisation serves as an inspiration.
“In a world where challenges often seem overwhelming your example shows that no matter how big the problem no matter how seemingly overwhelming if you tackle it with compassion, respect and a sense of community you can make lasting positive change.”
Hill-Lewis commended the team for their tireless devotion to ensuring Cape Town’s most vulnerable are never without a warm meal.
“Congratulations to the team on their remarkable 90th anniversary. Thank you for nine decades of extraordinary service to Cape Town’s underprivileged and vulnerable communities.”
Simon Browne, the great-nephew of the founder, said he is proud to see his Syfret’s legacy living on through the continued work of the Service Dining Rooms.
“She was born into the British Empire and was from a wealthy family. She spent her childhood in Cape Town but went to high school in England. She was an upstanding and straightforward person. She had great courage. She would come to work at the Service Dining Room every Saturday.”
He believes his great-aunt would be proud to see her legacy of compassion and service continuing to thrive today.
Staff member Tougeedah Britton said it’s a privilege to serve people.
“I have been working here for a year now. It is a privilege to work here, the staff members are nice and so is management. We have our ups and downs with the clients on some days, but they are wonderful.”
For client Deidre Owies, the organisation has been a beacon in times of need.
“It helps us a lot. And the food is nice and so is the staff.”
Patience Langa, also a client, said she was referred to the Service Dining Rooms in February this year.
“I was unemployed at the time and didn’t know where my next meal would come from. I was told about this organisation. I started coming here with my son. The food is nice, and we get good service.”
