Gauteng opens state food centre to fight hunger

By Palesa Matlala

Gauteng Department of Social Development has opened a state run food centre to reach about 400,000 people struggling with poverty and hunger.
The new system replaces reliance on non profit organisations and has already created about 70 job opportunities for young people.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has launched a new state run food distribution centre in Centurion to fight hunger and poverty.

The centre opened on Sunday and is the first of its kind in South Africa.

Head of department Phumla Sekhonyane said the move marks a major change in how food is distributed in the province.

She said the department is moving away from using non profit organisations and will now handle food distribution itself.

“The usual model for food distribution involves outsourcing or using non profit organisations but the Gauteng provincial government gave us a directive as the Department of Social Development to establish a state run food distribution centre,” said Sekhonyane.

She said the new system follows a directive from Premier Panyaza Lesufi to build state capacity and create jobs.

During the 2025 State of the Province Address, Lesufi said the government must take full control of such services instead of relying on outside groups.

Sekhonyane said the programme aims to improve service delivery and strengthen the role of the state.

“Overall the importance of this programme is that we are implementing the directive to improve the capacity of the State and have the State deliver these services on its own instead of relying on external parties,” she said.

She said about 23% of people in Gauteng live below the poverty line and around 400,000 people benefit from food relief.

Last year, the department delivered at least 10,000 food parcels in Tshwane, more than 35,000 in Johannesburg and about 30,000 in Ekurhuleni.

Sekhonyane said the department also checks on families referred for help and sends social workers to assess their situation.

If no one in a household is working, the department offers support and skills development.

After three years, families are reviewed and helped to find jobs or other opportunities.

She said the programme has already created about 70 jobs for young people.

MEC Faith Mazibuko said food parcels include soya mince, canned fish, rice, mealie meal, peanut butter and cooking oil.

She said the programme supports child headed households, unemployed people and those who need proper nutrition while on medication.

Mazibuko said beneficiaries are also linked to job opportunities.

“We cannot give you food parcels for life,” she said.

“We have to ensure that we empower you and link you to available opportunities.”

Image Caption: Food parcels pictured above

Image source: Supplied