UITSIG – Learners at C.L. Wilmot Primary School in Uitsig are facing hunger after their soup kitchen was ransacked by thieves during the school holidays. The callous act has left the school scrambling to provide even basic meals, forcing them to replace their usual warm, nutritious food with simple sandwiches.
The break-in, which was reported to authorities on 7 July 2025, saw criminals making off with vital equipment and non-perishable food items intended for the National School Nutrition Programme. According to Millicent Merton from the Western Cape Education Department, "A break-in was reported at the school on Monday, 7 July 2025, where unknown suspects gained access to the kitchen and stole equipment and non-perishable food items intended for the National School Nutrition Programme."
The stolen goods included rice, canned fish, chicken livers, cooking pots, the school's urn, as well as electrical wiring and other equipment. Adding insult to injury, community activist Pastor Adam Alexander revealed that the stolen food was allegedly being sold within the community.
Alexander, who also serves as an Early Crime Prevention facilitator at the school, expressed his dismay, telling the Daily Voice: "We are very disappointed. These criminals did great damage to the school and stole a bord kos uit ’n kind se mond [a plate of food from a child’s mouth]." He further explained the dire situation faced by the learners: "The learners did not have food to eat on their first day back to school so the school had to serve them sandwiches… The learners do not come from privileged communities, they are from the poorest areas in Uitsig. When they come to the feeding scheme in the morning and you ask them if they ate, they say they did not have anything to eat in the morning before school or the night before because there was nothing to eat at home."
The impact of the theft is particularly devastating given the vulnerable backgrounds of the children who rely on the feeding scheme. For many, the meal they receive at school is the only substantial food they can count on.
Alexander also voiced his concern that community members were allegedly buying the stolen goods. "My biggest concern is that the residents in the community bought the food but their children are also part of the school and also come every morning to get a meal at the feeding scheme," he said.
Despite the setback, the community is rallying to support the school. A new urn has already been donated by a local resident in Uitsig. However, the school still urgently needs two new 150-litre cooking pots to restore its feeding scheme to its full capacity.
Merton condemned the theft, stating: "This senseless act highlights the need for collective protection and care of our schools. The theft of kitchen equipment and food meant for learners is deeply concerning. Let’s work together to safeguard these vital community assets and ensure our children have access to the nutrition they need."
The incident has been reported to the police, and Pastor Alexander stated that they are pursuing leads. "We received information of who the perpetrator is, and he is a regular criminal in the area and currently on the run but we are following up on any information," he said.
The Western Cape Education Department has urged the community to assist in safeguarding schools and ensuring that learners have access to the nutrition they need. As Merton emphasized, the theft of food and equipment intended for vulnerable children is a deeply concerning act that requires a collective response.
Anyone wishing to donate towards the C.L. Wilmot Primary School feeding scheme is urged to contact 067 169 5995. The school is in desperate need of assistance to restore its ability to provide warm, nutritious meals to its learners.
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