THE Acting MEC for Social Development in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi received foodstuffs for emergency food relief at the Gauteng Social Development Warehouse (food bank). The building is the central warehouse in Reuven, south of Johannesburg, where the relief items are received and then distributed to all the regional food banks in Gauteng.

Local ward 124 councillor. Mongameli Mnyameni organised the distribution of the food parcels in his ward, and said those who are not working and who work in informal settlements, are the intended beneficiaries. “Most people in these informal settlements recycle and that’s how they earn a living. Because of the lockdown, however, they are unable to do so. I requested Social Development and the MMC for Environment, Infrastructure and Services councillor, Mpho Moerane, to intervene so food parcels could be distributed to the people.”

He said response so far has been positive. “I have to emphasise that the food parcels are at this stage only meant for those citizens who are unemployed or who are on chronic medication. Those who are working do not qualify to receive food parcels. He said in terms of the Covid-19 outbreak, it is important to understand that the disease does not discriminate.

“This pandemic doesn’t choose race or colour, or whether somebody has money or is poor. Anyone can contract the coronavirus. The community must take part in doing their best and protecting themselves against the spread of the pandemic. Wash your hands regularly and use sanitise.” He said he had also arranged for a sanitiser donation to be delivered to the informal settlements.

The Manager at Believers Care Society in Turffontein, Alex Ihem said their offices would be managing and running the Johannesburg food bank on behalf of Gauteng Province. “The donation was received from companies on behalf of Social Development. Other regional foodbanks come and collect foodstuffs here for their regions. The society does not hand out these items to individuals yet, except at shelters for the homeless and those caring for the sick and vulnerable.” This, he said, was done through a referral list from the province.

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