The municipality said its network of 94 soup kitchens currently provides meals to about 32,900 beneficiaries every weekday across eThekwini.
Image: File: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
The eThekwini Municipality has moved to defend its soup kitchen programme amid mounting scrutiny over conditions at some sites, saying the initiative remains a critical lifeline for thousands of impoverished residents across the city.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the municipality acknowledged operational and infrastructure challenges facing some soup kitchens but rejected what it described as “negative and unfounded portrayals” that risk undermining support for vulnerable communities.
However it acknowledged some challenges with food supply which it said was being addressed. The municipality said its network of 94 soup kitchens currently provides meals to about 32,900 beneficiaries every weekday across eThekwini.
The City allocates an annual operating budget of R141 million towards groceries, bread, gas and stipends, while an additional R3.1 million has been earmarked for capital projects linked to the programme.
The response comes after recent public concern over the state of some municipal soup kitchens, including complaints about poor infrastructure, hygiene concerns, and inadequate facilities.
Despite the criticism, the municipality insisted the programme continues to play a vital role in poverty alleviation and food security.
“Soup kitchen facilities continue to be places of dignity, compassion, and hope for thousands of beneficiaries,” the municipality said.
Officials said food samples are tested regularly to mitigate the risk of food poisoning and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
The City admitted that rising food and fuel costs, along with increasing demand due to worsening economic conditions and ageing infrastructure, have placed pressure on the programme.
To address these challenges, eThekwini said it is implementing a series of interventions, including partnerships with NGOs, businesses, and faith-based organisations to strengthen food supply and support systems.
Training and refresher programmes on food handling and hygiene are also being rolled out for staff and volunteers across all soup kitchens.
Among the most significant changes planned is the gradual replacement of container-based kitchens with park home structures fitted with ablution facilities, while long-term plans include permanent brick-and-mortar facilities.
The municipality said inter-directorate partnerships with cleansing and parks departments are also being strengthened to improve waste management and cleanliness at facilities.
Supply chain disruptions affecting consumables are being addressed, while agreements with local farmers and the municipality’s Agro-Ecology Directorate are expected to diversify suppliers and reduce costs.
The municipality added that a comprehensive review of the soup kitchen model is under way to identify a more cost-effective and sustainable approach to feeding schemes in the city.
“Every meal served represents a concerted effort by the Municipality to ensure no one goes hungry,” the statement read.
The City said while there was room for improvement, criticism should not overshadow the impact the programme has on thousands of vulnerable residents who rely on daily meals for survival.
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