Gauteng food parcels are temper proof – Lesufi
“Gauteng provincial government will not tolerate politicisation of food and that councillor are not involved in the processing and distribution of food parcels managed by the department of social development”.
Gauteng acting MEC for social development in Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi has reassured members of the public that the food parcels provided by the provincial government during lockdown were temper proof.
Lesufi visited the food bank in Silverton on Thursday where he encouraged members of the public to report any unfair practices regarding food parcel distribution to the department.
He said recent allegations, news reports and videos of controversies surrounding food distribution have undermined the crucial work of the department.
“There is a growing voice in communities that there is favouritism, corruption by officials as well as taking over of food distribution by councillors at municipal level. Let me make it clear that we have systems in place that ensure the fair distribution based on the criteria we use to select households that qualify for food relief,” he said.
“The system is both auditable and verifiable, and our officials receive verified names from the call centre.”
Lesufi said where there is wrongdoing by officials, community members or whistle-blowers must report it.
“I must also reiterate what Premier David Makhura said that the Gauteng provincial government (GPG) will not tolerate the politicisation of food and that councillors are not involved in the processing and distribution of food parcels managed by the Department of Social Development.”
Since lockdown the department has been distributing food daily to households across the province.
He said the province was overwhelmed with requests for food parcels as those who could ordinarily provide for themselves now have to turn to the state to assist.
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“The demand outnumbers the available supply, and thus we ask the donor community to continue making much needed donations,” he said.
“A number of social partners and corporate companies have banded with the department and made meaningful contributions to these food parcels, and we continue to express our gratitude to them and still extend our invitation to them to continue making a difference through donations.”
Beneficiaries who qualify for food relief must meet the following criteria;
- Households that have a combined income of R3 600 or less
- 100% unemployed
- The sickly at home
- Child headed households
- Gender-based violence victims
- The homeless
Members of the community who qualify are encouraged to contact government directly through the following channels:
- Call on tollfree 0800-228-827/ 0800-428-8364 (Gauteng only)
- Email to support@gauteng.go.za
- SMS to 35023
- Twitter: @GautengHotline
- Facebook: Gauteng Hotline
- Social media – Gauteng Department of Social Development
