Photo: Johan Kruger (Project Dignity) enjoys driving the Mobile Soup Kitchen three times a week

While most residents are still asleep, some people are already walking through the dark streets of Swakopmund searching through garbage bins for food.

Known by many as “diggers”, these men and women survive by collecting recyclable items and looking for anything they can eat before refuse trucks arrive in the morning. Many come from informal settlements on the outskirts of town and walk long distances on foot. For some, finding a few slices of bread is enough to get through the day. The growing number of people living this way reflects the increasing hardship along Namibia’s coast.

Although new mines and hydrogen projects are being planned in the region, many people arriving in Swakopmund in search of work are finding no immediate jobs, little food security and difficult living conditions. To help those struggling daily, a mobile soup kitchen was launched in April this year. Three times a week, a bicycle and trailer carrying about 30 litres of warm soup, bread and cups travel along routes where diggers usually work in the early mornings. The aim is to provide a warm meal directly to people who often have no access to regular food or cooking facilities.

The project is made possible through cooperation between several groups and businesses. Cars and Guides for Hire cc in Swakopmund started the initiative and provides the equipment, bread and support for the driver. The soup is funded by the German NGO Pallium e.V., while Fruit & Veg/Foodlovers prepares the soup at cost price and donates the cups. Project Dignity coordinates and manages the distribution on the ground. According to organisers, between 70 and 100 people currently benefit from the soup kitchen three times a week.

Although the need remains greater than the available support, organisers say the project is already making a difference. “You see people laughing more often now, and they’re striking up conversations with one another,” said Johan Kruger from Project Dignity.

Community members who would like to support the initiative can contact Johan Kotze of Cars and Guides for Hire cc on 081-2896737 or Johan Kruger of Project Dignity on 081-4925262.

By Eileen van der Schyff