Honoring Mama Tembisa’s Mission in Khayelitsha

In a small kitchen nestled in the heart of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, one woman is feeding hundreds of people every single day. Not for profit, not for recognition, but because she understands exactly what it feels like to go without.

Her name is Mama Tembisa, known lovingly by her community as Mama Panziso. Through nothing but sheer will, lived experience, and relentless compassion, she’s become a cornerstone of hope in a place that desperately needs it.

This is her story.
This is why we do what we do.
This is Monsta for Good.

One Pot, 300 Plates, Every Day

Khayelitsha is one of the largest and fastest-growing townships in South Africa. Despite its vibrant spirit, the area faces severe poverty, high unemployment, and chronic food insecurity.

In the middle of this, Mama Tembisa runs a soup kitchen out of her home, serving meals to more than 300 people daily. Children, elders, young men caught in gang life—she feeds them all.

Why?
Because she’s been there.

A survivor of gender-based violence and a woman who has known hunger firsthand, Mama Tembisa says that if she hadn’t gone through those dark times herself, she might not be doing this work today. Now, her past is fuel for her purpose.

"When I hear someone has a problem, I act. I can’t rest knowing someone nearby is hungry."
- Mama Tembisa

More Than a Soup Kitchen

Mama Tembisa’s kitchen isn’t just about food. It’s about dignity.

• Children without parents or support find care and a warm meal.
• Elderly caregivers stretched thin by pensions too small to feed extended families receive help.
• Gang members and drug users often dismissed by society, are still welcomed with a plate. She believes hunger drives desperation, and compassion can shift a path.

Even local hospitals and clinics refer patients to her when they need food. She’s become such a trusted figure that, in her words, “even the smallest child can direct you to my house.”

Monsta for Good: Why We’re Here

At Monsta Corp, Monsta for Good was built for this.
For people like Mama Tembisa.
For communities often overlooked.
For real impact.

We had the honor of visiting Mama, documenting her story, and supporting her kitchen through donations made possible by our Monsta community. In her words, knowing she has helped so many means she can "die happy." But we’re not done yet...and neither is she!

How You Can Help

If this story moves you the way it moved us, here’s how to keep it going:

• Watch and share the video: Let the world see what one woman can do with heart, purpose, and a few big pots.
• Contribute: Donations to Monsta for Good go toward additional donations and producing more spotlights like this. Directly supporting grassroots efforts like Mama Tembisa’s.

🟦 Monsta for Good Multisig:
Donations can be made to the multi-network Safe Multisig wallet listed below. Currently the following networks are supported: Base, Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Polygon.

0xf4a0E2404556EBB97d3720b958933dceB8EB8fA3

Every contribution helps us continue finding and supporting unsung heroes around the world.

To Mama Tembisa—Thank You

We’re endlessly grateful to Mama Tembisa for opening her doors to us and showing what community care truly looks like. She is living proof that you don’t need much to make a difference, just the courage to start!

To our Monsta fam: thank you for making this possible!! And an extra special thank you to JR, Marc, and Josh for your dedication and your help in making this possible!
Let’s keep building, giving, and sharing stories that matter.

Stay tuned. More good is coming <3

About Monsta for Good

Monsta for Good is the charitable initiative of Monsta Corp, focused on uplifting grassroots changemakers and small organizations doing real work in vulnerable communities around the world.

By using the power of crypto and community, we aim to amplify voices, provide direct support, and tell stories that inspire action.

Follow our journey at monstacorp.com
X: @MonstaForGood