Covid-19: The most vulnerable and needy will still be cared for during lockdown

During a media briefing led by Premier David Makhura, in which various departments within government explained their wide plan for the 21-day lockdown, acting Social Development MEC Panyaza Lesufi stressed that government will continue to help the vulnerable and needy within the province.

To address the issues of homelessness within Gauteng during the lockdown and in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Gauteng Provincial Government will utilise existing social infrastructure and work in partnerships with key stakeholders to develop solutions that will address the issue.

“The province will divert resources to bolster social services support to the homeless through using existing schools infrastructure,” said Lesufi.

“The department will strengthen its support through the provision of shelter to the homeless people.

“Thirty schools have been identified in several inner-city areas for social services support in Gauteng.”

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• Eastern corridor:

For Germiston, Boksburg, Kempton Park, Benoni, Alberton, Brakpan and Springs, one school with hostel facilities has been identified within or close to the CBD areas within the eastern corridor of Ekurhuleni.

The school is Laerskool Elspark.

• Central corridor:

For Johannesburg CBD, Roodepoort, Midrand, Sandton, Randburg CBD, Hyde Park, Rosebank, Auckland Park, Booysens and Brixton, four schools with hostel facilities have been identified within or close to the CBD areas within the central corridor within the City of Johannesburg. They are Queens High School, King Edward VII Preparatory School, Jeppe High School for Boys and Parktown Boys’ High School.

• Northern corridor:

For Tshwane CBD, Centurion, Silverton, Sunnyside, Menlyn, Lynnwood, Cullinan and Bronkhorstspruit, three schools with hostel facilities have been identified within or close to the CBD areas within the northern corridor or within the City of Tshwane. They are Prinshofskool, Pretoriaskool Vir Serebraal Gestremdes and Transoranje- Skool Vir Dowes.

• Western corridor:

One school has been identified within or close to the CBD areas within the western corridor in the Mogale City Local Municipality, it is Laerskool Puerperal.

• Southern corridor:

Three schools have been identified within or close to the CBD areas within the southern corridor within the Sedibeng District Municipality, they are Phoenix Secondary School, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark and General Smuts High School.

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“The department has also identified several non-profit organisations (NPOs) who will be assisting with the provision of shelters for the homeless during the lockdown,” said Lesufi.

During the media briefing the provision of food to the vulnerable was also addressed.

“The Gauteng Department of Social Development, through its temporary relief programme, will extend provision of food parcels to learners on the food nutrition programme,” said Lesufi.

“Beneficiaries will be given a once-off food parcel which will last them for a full month.

“Through this programme, food will also be provided to shelters and home-based community members who are sick and weak.

“Provision will also be made to people who normally receive food from local soup kitchens.”

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Dignity packs will also be provided.

“The department will continue with the distribution of dignity packs to indigent learners during the lockdown,” said Lesufi.

“The dignity packs include toiletries such sanitary towels, toothpaste, roll on deodorant, soap and a wash cloth.

“During the lockdown additional provision of hand sanitisers, gloves and a mask will be made.”

It was further explained that Gauteng Social Development would be exploring more distribution channels during this time.

“Beneficiaries will only collect the packages, feeding will not be taking place in schools,” said Lesufi.

“The department appeals to citizens and companies to donate food and toiletries, particularly hand sanitisers, during these trying times.”

Finally, places of safety will be activated during the 21-day lockdown.

“Thirty shelters for abused women will be activated to assist women who may be affected by domestic violence during the lockdown, and will be provided with necessary support,” said Lesufi.

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