News

On Friday, 21 August 2026, the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) unveiled infrastructure improvements to Sonneblom Crèche in Touwsranten and provided essential equipment to six community soup kitchens.

As part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Programme, SANParks upgraded Sonneblom Crèche, which provides early childhood education and meals to approximately 80 children, staff and caregivers. The improvements included upgrading of infrastructure, sanitation and kitchen upgrades aimed at improving safety, addressing flooding, and creating a healthier environment for the children. The upgrades also contribute to the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which promotes access to clean water and sanitation.

In addition to the ECD centre upgrade, SANParks provided essential equipment to six community soup kitchens and two ECD centres. The support included pots, stoves, gas cylinders, refrigerators, as well as cooking and eating utensils. The equipment will strengthen the capacity of these community-based initiatives to prepare and provide meals to vulnerable community members, including children, elderly people and people living with disabilities.

The six feeding schemes, which are largely operated by volunteers, collectively provide approximately 760 meals to adults and 650 meals to children each week.

The initiative reflects SANParks’ vision of people and nature thriving together in sustainable mega-living landscapes. By responding to identified community needs, SANParks seeks to contribute to improved living conditions, strengthen community-based services and support the wellbeing of children and vulnerable community members.