About Us
About Us
Serving Cape Town's vulnerable since 1935
Founded in 1935 during the Great Depression, The Service Dining Rooms began as a response to growing unemployment and hunger. Doris Syfret and two friends envisioned a place where people could purchase an affordable, nutritious meal rather than receive charity.
For what was known then as a ‘tickey,’ those in need could buy themselves a plate of hot food. This simple yet powerful act of offering a low-cost meal instead of a free handout remains a core principle of SDR, ensuring that everyone who comes through our doors can maintain their sense of agency and pride.
By 1940, SDR had found its permanent home at 82 Canterbury Street, a sturdy red-brick building that has stood as a symbol of resilience through generations of economic and social change.
Today, we serve approximately 300+ meals every weekday, nourishing those who need it most while fostering a community of inclusion and respect.
For nearly a century, The Service Dining Rooms (SDR) has been a place of warmth, nourishment, community and hope for Cape Town's vulnerable communities.
Fostering community, inclusion, and hope through every meal.
The Service Dining Rooms is not a hand out but a helping hand to all in need.
90 Years of Service
We have served nearly 6 million meals since 1935
Our Mission and Values
To provide nutritious meals to those in need.
SDR strives to combat hunger with dignity by serving affordable, nutritious meals in a safe, welcoming space. Fostering community and belonging to those in need for over 90 years.
Nourishment
Serving hot, healthy meals every day at noon, Monday to Friday.
Community
Inclusive and welcoming to everyone in need.
Reliability
90 Years of continuous service, since 1935.
Dignity
For just R2, anyone can buy a hot, sit down meal, preserving dignity and self-worth.
How we work together
Solely supported by donations.
Unlike many initiatives, The Service Dining Rooms receives no government funding.
We operate solely through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations who donate food and funds to keep our mission alive.
Every contribution, big or small, goes directly into purchasing ingredients, maintaining our facilities, and sustaining the team that prepares and serves these vital meals.
The Service Dining Rooms thrives through the combined efforts of our staff, board members, and a compassionate group of volunteers, sponsors, and donors.
Together, they form the backbone of our daily operations, ensuring that every meal is prepared and served with dignity, care, and consistency.
- Five Permanent Staff Members
- Seven Board Members
- Compassionate Volunteers
- Generous Donors and Sponsors
Our Customers
Everyone deserves a seat at the table
At SDR, we serve everyone, women, children, the elderly, the unemployed, and those earning too little to meet their basic needs.
Our doors are open to all religions, races, genders, and backgrounds.
A hot meal is more than just sustenance; it is an opportunity for someone to sit down, find warmth and comfort, and be treated with respect. No one is turned away, and there is no judgment,only a warm plate and a welcoming space.
Our Team
The Backbone of our daily operations.
The Service Dining Rooms thrives through the combined efforts of our staff, board members, and a compassionate group of volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Together, they form the backbone of our daily operations, ensuring that every meal is prepared and served with dignity, care, and consistency.
- Five Permanent Staff Members
- Seven Board Members
- Compassionate Volunteers
- Generous Donors and Sponsors
Meet the Board Members
Laurine Platzky (Chair of the Board)
Dr. Platzky holds BA, B.Soc Sci, Master’s in City and Regional Planning, and a PhD in Regional Development Planning. Her extensive experience spans government, academia, and international consulting, including roles in the Presidency, Western Cape Government, and teaching at UCT and UWC.
Janey Ball
Experienced in advocacy, fundraising, and project management, Janey has worked across education, health, literacy, and community campaigns, connecting donors with impactful causes.
Louisa Browne
Former teacher and educational publisher, Louisa represents the family legacy of SDR founder Doris Syfret and contributes her organizational skills and passion for community service.
Mieke Janse van Rensburg
Retired property lawyer, Mieke brings legal expertise, mentoring, and a dedication to giving back through volunteerism and board service.
Hanri Pieterse
Advocate for diversity, inclusion, and dignity, Hanri combines operational and commercial experience with her commitment to education and non-profit initiatives to support sustainable impact.
Joe Van Es
Engineer and energy researcher, Joe brings practical skills and a focus on efficiency and sustainability, shaped by decades of professional experience in South Africa and abroad.
Sue White
Financial advisor with 29 years’ experience managing investments, Sue provides oversight and strategic guidance, particularly in ensuring SDR’s long-term sustainability.
With gratitude to our generous sponsors
Thank you to our top sponsors and donors who contribute to our vision of serving nourishing meals to those in need.
