Soweto foundation expands food relief amid rising living costs
A Soweto-based foundation is continuing its food relief programme to help disadvantaged families cope with growing economic pressures.
A Mandela Day initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable communities has continued beyond July 18, with the foundation citing rising living costs and growing food insecurity as reasons for extending the campaign.
The Tshepo Makole Youth Empowerment Foundation marked Mandela Day by launching its annual food support initiative, which has continued beyond July 18 as the organisation reaches vulnerable communities across Soweto.
The NPO, with the support of the Gold Rush Foundation and the ministry of Daniel Tshepo Makole, has been distributing food parcels to disadvantaged families, destitute people, children and women who rely on state social grants to survive.
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Although the organisation lacked sufficient volunteers and resources, it continued with the campaign to provide much-needed assistance to beneficiaries. Unlike in previous years, when wheelbarrows were used to transport food, the organisation decided to use public transport this year.
The drive started in Naledi before moving to CWJ, Jabulani Mall, Dube, Dobsonville and Dobsonville Mall.
According to the foundation, the campaign will continue until the end of the month to reach as many struggling families as possible.
Founder Daniel Tshepo Makole said that running the project for more than 10 years has taught him that every township and family experiences poverty in its own unique way.
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“Every township, family and community tells a different story about poverty, access to food and the daily struggle to survive. While our circumstances may differ, many people continue to face serious economic challenges,” he said.
Makole said South Africans are living under difficult economic conditions, with rising food, transport and basic living costs placing increasing pressure on low-income households.
He added that global economic developments, including fuel price increases, continue to affect the local economy and the cost of living.
“We are living in difficult times. We appeal to government to consider increasing social grants and for all relevant stakeholders to work together to improve the lives of vulnerable South Africans. The private sector should also consider improving workers’ wages as the cost of living continues to rise,” he said.
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He appealed to government departments, including the Department of Social Development, National Treasury and SASSA, to consider increasing social grants to cushion vulnerable people against the rising cost of living.
He also urged private companies to review salaries and wages, saying many people are struggling to afford transport and food.
The foundation is committed to serving communities not only during Mandela Day but throughout the year, as it regards the campaign as an ongoing initiative aimed at restoring hope to vulnerable people.
