The Gauteng provincial government says more than 400,000 people are receiving food support through a newly established state-run distribution system, exposing the scale of hunger in the country’s economic centre.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi disclosed the figures during a media briefing on Wednesday evening, linking the programme to rising poverty and unemployment across the province.
“Last month, we opened a government-run food distribution centre… to support more than 400,000 people,” Lesufi said.
Food parcels roll-out
The facility, based in Centurion, forms part of the Fetsa Tlala – Leaving No One Behind programme. It prioritises child-headed households, unemployed residents and people with medical conditions who require food before taking medication.
“Food parcels are given first to child-headed households, unemployed people, and those with medical needs,” Lesufi said.
The provincial government said the model marks a shift in how food relief is administered, with the state taking direct control of procurement and distribution.
“Because the government manages this model, it improves accountability and capacity,” Lesufi said.
Poverty on the rise
The scale of the programme places a spotlight on levels of deprivation in Gauteng, which contributes the largest share to South Africa’s GDP and hosts key financial and industrial centres.
Lesufi said the initiative is intended as a short-term intervention while longer-term economic measures are implemented.
“For the 2026/2027 financial year, we will continue to fund NPOs that focus on sustainable ways for people to support themselves,” he said.
Job creation
The food distribution centre has also been positioned as an employment initiative. According to the provincial government, about 70 young people have already been employed through the programme, with plans to expand recruitment and provide skills training.
“The centre has created about 70 jobs for young people, with more to come, and provides skills training and connections to economic opportunities,” Lesufi said.
Priority on social spending
The announcement comes as the province continues to allocate the bulk of its budget to social spending. The government said 85% of its budget is directed towards sectors such as health, education and social development.
This level of support reflects ongoing demand for basic services and social protection, despite Gauteng’s position as the country’s primary economic hub.
Lesufi said the province is attempting to balance immediate relief with efforts to expand economic activity.
“We launched the GCR-EDP 2030… aimed at accelerating inclusive economic growth, driving re-industrialisation, attracting investment, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable jobs,” he said.
The government has not provided a breakdown of how many households are covered by the 400,000 figure or how frequently food parcels are distributed but said the programme will be sustained through the current financial year.
The figures are likely to intensify scrutiny over poverty levels in urban areas, particularly in informal settlements and townships, where access to income remains uneven.
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- Gauteng’s government has launched a state-run food distribution center supporting over 400,000 people amid rising poverty and unemployment, prioritizing child-headed households, the unemployed, and those with medical needs.
- The program, part of the Fetsa Tlala – Leaving No One Behind initiative, marks a shift with government-managed procurement and distribution to improve accountability and capacity.
- Although intended as a short-term relief measure, the initiative also creates jobs, having already employed about 70 young people while offering skills training and economic opportunities.
- Despite Gauteng's role as South Africa’s economic hub, 85% of its budget is allocated to social services like health, education, and social development to address ongoing demand for basic needs.
- The government balances immediate food support with long-term economic plans such as the GCR-EDP 2030, aimed at inclusive growth, job creation, re-industrialization, and entrepreneurship.
Premier
“Last month, we opened a government-run food distribution centre… to support more than 400,000 people,” Lesufi said.
“Food parcels are given first to child-headed households, unemployed people, and those with medical needs,” Lesufi said.
“Because the government manages this model, it improves accountability and capacity,” Lesufi said.
Lesufi said the initiative is intended as a short-term intervention while longer-term economic measures are implemented.
“For the 2026/2027 financial year, we will continue to fund NPOs that focus on sustainable ways for people to support themselves,” he said.
“
Lesufi said the province is attempting to balance immediate relief with efforts to expand economic activity.
“We launched the GCR-EDP 2030… aimed at accelerating inclusive economic growth, driving re-industrialisation, attracting investment, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable jobs,” he said.
