ETHEKWINI Municipality has been reported to the public protector for alleged corruption in its R280m soup kitchen programme.

Also read: Soup kitchen gives hungry a weekly meal

The City runs 94 soup kitchens around the metro, 10 of which are on the South Coast in areas that include Umgababa, Isipingo, KwaMakhutha, Folweni, Adams Mission, and Umbumbulu. According to eThekwini, the programme provides 32 900 people with a nutritious meal.

eThekwini mayoral candidate Haniff Hoosen has, however, written to the public protector, saying the programme is marred by corruption, which includes inflated prices, and has questioned how the tenders were awarded. He asked the public protector to investigate financial misconduct, procurement irregularities, gross overpricing, and health and safety violations.

Hoosen made an example of one supplier who charged eThekwini R2500 for a 10kg bag of samp, which ordinarily retails for around R100. He also said some of the kitchens visited were found to be in an appalling condition, despite the millions allocated to them.

“R280m of taxpayer money is being spent on these every year, and with inflated contracts, this money may be seriously vulnerable to corruption across the board,” said Hoosen.

eThekwini Municipality responds to the allegations

In response, eThekwini said the negative portrayals of its soup kitchen programme were unfounded, adding that they reaffirm its role as a lifeline for impoverished communities while driving reforms to strengthen operations, improve infrastructure, and uphold dignity.

Also read: eThekwini caught overcharging ratepayers

In a statement, eThekwini said while challenges exist in the programme, they should not overshadow the vital role these kitchens play. It said some of the challenges in the programme are a rising demand driven by economic hardship and poverty, infrastructure constraints, as facilities not designed for large-scale food service create logistical challenges, and public misconceptions, which risk discouraging donors and volunteers.

“While there remain areas of improvement, soup kitchen facilities continue to be places of dignity, compassion, and hope for thousands of beneficiaries. Every meal served represents a concerted effort by the Municipality to ensure no one goes hungry. Highlighting only the negative without acknowledging the impact risks undermining the very support systems that sustain thousands of vulnerable individuals,” read the statement.

To address the challenges, eThekwini said agreements with local farmers and the Agro-Ecology Directorate are imminent to reduce costs and diversify suppliers. It also said operational improvements to the programme, which are being instituted, will lead to better scheduling, food storage, and more efficient distribution systems.

“eThekwini Municipality remains committed to transparency, accountability, and above all, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry,” it concluded.

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