Covid-19: Premier checks in on food banks as province gets ready to provide food relief
Since the start of the lockdown 15 000 food-insecure households have received help.
The Premier of Gauteng, the hardest hit province with the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases, visited food banks earlier today as the province gets ready to deliver food parcels to its poor and vulnerable communities.
Also read: Covid-19: Joburg tops number of Covid-19 cases in Gauteng and SA
Premier David Makhura visited the food banks to ensure there are enough supplies available for families in distress.
Since the start of the lockdown the provincial government has worked with social partners to provide 15 000 food-insecure households with food.
Also read: Localised stats will not be released. Here’s why
“This number is being increased to ensure the indigent are provided with essentials beyond the lockdown.
“Food security forms part of our three-pillar strategy in the fight against the spread of Covid-19.
Also read: Covid-19: Schools could face no June holiday
“Today we visited food banks across the province to ensure a fair process of food distribution,” said Makhura.
“The system must be about reaching the 20 per cent of Gauteng residents who are food insecure.
“There should be no patronage networks and no political interference in all processes.”
He appealed to NGOs, the business community, civil society and all those who continue to lend a helping hand in the form of donations to contact the Gauteng Provincial Government on hotline@gauteng.gov.za
Families in distress can contact the Gauteng Provincial Government on 0860 011 000 or email to support@gauteng.gov.za to access the social security relief programmes.
Premier @David_Makhura has just arrived at the Ekurhuleni Fresh Food Market for the launch of our Central Food Bank pic.twitter.com/PE3V2TMipI
— Mzwandile Masina (@mzwandileMasina) April 14, 2020
Today I’m visiting food banks across the province to ensure a fair process of food distribution. The system must be about reaching the 20% of Gauteng residents who are food insecure. There should be no patronage networks and no political interference in all processes. #COVID19SA pic.twitter.com/teNTRsmNkA
— David Makhura (@David_Makhura) April 14, 2020
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za)
