National Government must allow for soup kitchens

29 April 2020

Today, I have written to the Ministers of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu and Cooperative Governance Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma requesting urgent clarity on the validity of soup kitchens to operate after SAPS arrested at least one person for allegedly running a soup kitchen.

Food security is becoming an increasing concern across the world due to country-wide Coronavirus lockdowns. Thousands have lost their jobs, with more job losses anticipated.

With many communities no longer able to feed themselves due to a lack of income caused by the national lockdown, I have been handing out equipment in the form of three-plate gas stoves and dry food items to supply soup kitchens across the Cape metro for at least three months. This sustainable approach allows these NGOs across our city to provide thousands of warm meals to our residents most in need.

I therefore request amendments to be made to the Disaster Regulations to allow organisations to transport and distribute food to feed residents in vulnerable communities.

Social distancing must always be practiced when queuing for a meal, and we are educating NGOs about queue management and the importance of social distancing. With the appropriate safety measures in place, there is no need to stop soup kitchens from feeding our communities.

While National Government must continue to provide urgent food aid to all residents in need through SASSA (South African Social Security Agency), the City of Cape Town is trying to complement these efforts with our own contributions.

Issued by Greg Wagner, Spokesperson to the Executive Mayor, 29 April 2020