Steyn City Foundation works to ensure Diepsloot residents are fed

Over the past four weeks, the Steyn City Foundation has been working tirelessly to assist impoverished community members in Diepsloot.

Paul Mashatile, treasurer-general of the ANC, and Panyazi Lesufi, acting MEC for Social Development in Gauteng lent their support to The Steyn City Foundation on 30 April when they visited the site to see the weekly food supplies initiative in action.

The initiative was set in motion on 9 April. Giuseppe Plumari, CEO of Steyn City Properties, explained that the foundation reacted to the need of Diepsloot residents who have no access to food now that their income has been threatened by the implementation of the coronavirus lockdown.

“Initially, we focused on delivering fresh produce that could provide nutrients and vitamins to keep residents well-nourished and boost their immunity,” Plumari said, adding that the project swiftly gained traction, to the point where Gift of the Givers stepped in as a partner. “The organisation’s contribution has been greatly valued. More than enabling us to donate more goods, we have also been able to leverage its networks to access the most remote, poverty-stricken areas of Diepsloot.”

Gift of the Givers is but one of many entities to have stepped forward to support the Steyn City Foundation. Bidvest International Logistics has helped with the provision of trucks to enable the logistics, while Fidelity is also on board. Steyn City’s residents have also shown enthusiastic support, as well as neighbouring communities.

Plumari added, “We have taken part in joint initiatives with government, where our relationship has represented a joining of hands, and this is no different. It’s vital that we support our neighbours, many of whom have been impacted by the coronavirus lockdown.”

The Douw Steyn Family Trust, on behalf of Douw Steyn and his family, along with the South African companies he founded has also stepped forward with a pledge of R320 million, a portion of which is being used to fund food donations to Diepsloot.

The foundation is targeting a further 3 000 household in Diepsloot’s with a delivery of fresh produce packages, as well as 600 20-litre buckets filled with household staples.

Mashatile said, “As we are confronted by extraordinary circumstances and the life-changing Covid-19 pandemic, society has to respond to its impact particularly those who are less fortunate. Giving will go a long way towards the needy. As a society, including government and private sector, we have to reach out and touch as many hearts as possible.”

For more information, visit www.steyncity.co.za