Left to right: Devesh Arulappan (on behalf of the Blessed Liberat Catholic Parish in Newlands West), Aslam Mayet (the Muslim breyani was a personal donation by AV Mohamed), Evelyn Cohen (on behalf of the Union of Jewish Women), and Kemera Moodly (the Hindu breyani was donated by Food for Life). | Shelley Kjonstad / Independent Newspapers
Durban — It was in December 2014 that volunteers moved into the newly finished Denis Hurley Centre (DHC).
So, this year’s Meal of Reconciliation was a great opportunity to mark 10 years by bringing together all the different members of the DHC family: staff, volunteers, donors, NGO partners, faith leaders, media, members of the general public and – most importantly homeless people and refugees.
Rudy Cupido, from St Michael’s Anglican Church in uMhlanga shared his reflections on the event: “As we arrived, I felt a mix of anxiety, uncertainty, and hope, stepping into an unfamiliar experience with no idea what to expect.
‘‘Outside, our guests were waiting patiently to be called in which stirred a sense of responsibility in me – an eagerness to make the day meaningful and welcoming for everyone,” he said.
Cupido added that when the guests began entering the halls, they all shared a sense of uncertainty. He said there was hesitation in their steps, mirrored by their own as they navigated this experience together.
Cupido said they guided everyone to their seats with kindness, doing their best to ease the initial tension and make the space feel inviting.
"Once seated, we began talking with the guests at our tables, sharing stories and asking questions about their families, lives, and experiences. Conversations started slowly, with moments of silence that we allowed to settle naturally, creating an atmosphere of acceptance,“ Cupido explained.
While waiting for the meal, they introduced a card-making activity to encourage creativity and connection. Cupido said that some of the guests were hesitant, unsure of what to write or how to begin, while others embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. To reassure them, we encouraged creativity without judgment, focusing on the joy of the process.
“Together, we wrote cards for loved ones, for ourselves, or simply for the moment. When the meal was served, the room lit up with joy.
‘‘Plates filled with delicious food brought smiles to faces, and the realization that seconds were available added to the excitement.
‘‘Sharing the meal together created a sense of unity and warmth, breaking down barriers and allowing genuine conversations to flourish,” Cupido said.
As the day progressed, they noticed more openness in the guests, and the atmosphere grew lighter. Cupido said the shared experience of connection, kindness, and care was palpable.
“Cleaning up afterward, we found many of the cards left behind. Reading their heartfelt messages—some bold, others simple – was both moving and bittersweet, a reminder of the hopes and dreams we all carry,” he said.
‘‘This Meal of Reconciliation was a powerful experience. It reminded us that kindness and shared humanity can bridge even the widest gaps.
‘‘As we came together that day, we hoped our guests left feeling seen, valued, and deserving of their place in the world.
‘‘For me, it was a profound lesson in connection and the beauty of simply being present for one another,“ Cupido said.
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