Waste-for-food project saluted

The waste-for-food project, initiated by the Crisis Centre, was described as ‘amazing and a sight to see for the whole country’ by Provincial DA Leader, Sizwe Mchunu.
Mr Mchunu and his delegation visited the centre while on the campaign trail in the Umzinyathi District last week.
He was adamant that the DA was not ‘using the Crisis Centre for political reasons’, but visited the project as it is ‘a good story to tell’.
“We need to roll this project out to other areas. The needy bring in waste products, which automatically cleans up the town, and in turn they are presented with food. The paper and plastic is recycled, the proceeds of which are ploughed back into the centre. Clearly, this is a win-win story,” he enthused.
Francois Rogers, a national DA Member of Parliament who serves on the Water and Waste Management Portfolio Committee, said the project ‘brings dignity to the marginalised’.
While visiting the Birkett Street centre, a delegation of ANC members arrived, including Ward Councillor Bheki Ngobese. The Crisis Centre has been under criticism recently, as the large queue of people spills out into the streets, and there have been complaints of people urinating and even gambling in the area. Carol Bradley, who runs the centre, says the criticism is unfair and also political in nature, as any litter is always cleaned up.
“We are trying to secure portable toilets at this stage. As far as gambling is concerned, there have been reports of incidents in an open field down the road. This is beyond our control, and is actually a police matter.”
Neighbours on the day of the visit complained of those queuing blocking the road, but by then several vehicles, belonging to visitors, were also blocking the road.
A hurried meeting between DA Councillors Chester Mfeka and Ngobese appeared to ease tensions.
There was also a complaint that the music issuing from a DA vehicle was disturbing a sick child in a neighbouring house.
Mr Mchunu said the DA was not there to upset anyone, and all parties had the right to visit neighbourhoods.
The police eventually arrived on the scene, but by then the DA had moved on to Forestdale, where Umzinyathi Councillor Dr Sandy Bedassi presented DA membership cards to 40 new members. Campaigning was also undertaken in the Nquthu and Msinga areas.