When the uncertainty of COVID first hit, South African actress Kim Cloete and a community of everyday heroes turned their kitchens into beacons of hope, feeding those in need in their communities.
Johannesburg, South Africa (19 June 2026) – The year was 2020. The country was gripped by a wave of uncertainty it had never experienced before. Malls and shops were looted, and people were starving. South African actress and MC, Kim Cloete, had the impetus to do something – so she did.
She started a kitchen movement during lockdown level 5.
Realising that to make a real impact, she would need to connect South Africans wanting to aid with South Africans wanting to serve, Kim made a call-to-action video on social media for anyone wanting to be a part of this initiative.
“I had no idea that it was a movement at that stage. I then made some calls to family and friends in the townships, around our country, to see if anyone was willing to turn their kitchens and their cooking into bulk. MAGIC happened,” Kim shares.
The response was immediate. People from both sides – those willing to aid financially and willing to serve with open hearts – started responding. And before she knew it, she had a couple of thousand in a bank account and seven kitchens up and running within three days.
The Microcosmic Kitchen Movement quickly evolved from a simple vision into a living mission, as everyday women transformed their homes into beacons of hope, preparing hearty meals for those in need in their communities.
Kim used her public profile as leverage, and every single donor received feedback from her and her team with every donation made.
“We have one philosophy: Show people where their money is going. Keep a trail and be accountable.”
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Though there are only three warriors still standing today, they continue to do their best to support their communities.
“Our donations have decreased significantly over the past few years, but we push through. We just had a big stationery donation, and I have been flying stationery and books down to Cape Town with every chance I get,” shares Kim, who is also looking to start a small library in her childhood township of Bonteheuwel.
The Microcosmic Kitchen Movement is currently in the process of being registered with an NPO number and has received incredible media coverage over the years.
“We have had so much coverage simply because the movement was growing, people were talking, and hungry mouths were being fed. I have not seen South Africans take care of South Africans with such ease.”
Asked what she finds most fulfilling about running the Microcosmic Kitchen Movement, Kim says it’s seeing the difference it makes in the children.
“It’s in seeing the kids’ smiles when they take that first spoonful or bite of that sandwich, their only meal, on the way to school. We have come a long way…much further than anyone anticipated. This movement is a law unto itself. We merely facilitate.”
A simple call to action years ago sparked a movement that continues to feed both bodies and souls today.
To help keep this movement’s stoves burning and hope alive for families in need, connect with Kim on social media or email kim.a.cloete@gmail
Sources: Kim Cloete
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