Namaqua National Park reopens four community soup kitchens in Soebatsfontein

In a step towards tackling food insecurity in the Namaqua region, Namaqua National Park, through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, has reopened four community soup kitchens that had been forced to close due to a lack of funds and resources.

The kitchens, located in Soebatsfontein, Hondeklip Bay, Kommagas, and Kamieskroon, will once again serve as lifelines for over 400 community members who depend on them for daily meals. Their closure had left many vulnerable households at risk of malnutrition.

With the support of South African National Parks (SANParks), essential infrastructure and supplies have been secured to ensure the sustainability of the kitchens. Beyond funding, SANParks has also committed to providing mentorship and mechanisation training to local greening and gardening projects in the area. These efforts aim to promote self-sufficiency, enhance food security, and support small-scale businesses that can help communities become more resilient.

“This initiative is about more than just meals,” said SANParks officials. “It is about empowering communities to create sustainable solutions for themselves while strengthening the link between conservation and community development.”

The reopening forms part of SANParks’ broader commitment to addressing hunger and poverty while raising awareness around human–wildlife conflict and promoting sustainable food gardens.

For communities like Soebatsfontein, the return of these soup kitchens represents renewed hope and stability. Local leaders welcomed the initiative, saying it will not only alleviate hunger but also spark new opportunities for long-term growth and self-reliance in the Namaqua region.