A decision has been taken to stop the distribution of food to the needy from the Crisis Centre on Birkett Street. This was the findings of a committee formed to consider complaints from neighbours over the large crowd of people who flock there three times a week to collect free maas, yogurt and juice donated by Orange Grove Dairy.
The committee’s findings were presented at a recent Council meeting by Mrs SS Mazibuko, Social Development Manager in the area.
She told Council that during the visits by KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu, residents from the Birkett Street area said they are not happy with the way the centre operates. Residents claimed that there is a large number of people who come to collect food, but they have no access to toilets or water, therefore they pollute the area. Apparently the area has also turned into a ‘gambling zone’.
Residents felt that as they pay rates they may have a say in what goes on in the area. They complained that open areas near the centre are being used as ‘toilets’.
Mrs Mazibuko told Council that the centre was established specifically to provide shelter to abused victims, not feed the community.
“NPO organisations must operate according to the purposes for which they are registered. A committee was formed, represented by various departments, to investigate this matter. They came to the conclusion that the distribution must come to an end from the present premises.”
She said the management team of the centre was advised to use the old Sibongile Municipality offices for distribution. According to Mrs Mazibuko, the management team is reluctant to operate from there.
Endumeni Speaker Sduduzo Mdluli told Council that he is against the decision to stop the distribution of food entirely. A resident who spoke to the Courier, declining to be named, said, “This is a sad blow for us, because we have been feeding our granddaughters, who lost their parents, with this food.”
Crisis Centre responds
Carol Bradley, who runs the centre, said she had received no formal notice to stop feeding from the premises. “We have reacted to the complaints by ensuring that the food is distributed from 8.30am. By 10.30am we are all done and any litter is cleaned up by ourselves.
“The street is actually cleaner than most litter-infested streets in Dundee. There are also random cows and sheep grazing on the verges, which the municipality should also consider, as this impacts on residents living there.”
She said that the centre felt that feeding the needy filled the role of assisting abused people. “This is not a business but a charity. It was suggested that we move to the Sibongile Hall, but this would not be practical. I know nothing of the suggestion to move to the administration offices. Those whom we feed told us they are scared that the food would be stolen should we move.”
Mrs Bradley said feeding is continuing, with about 400 to 500 people coming to the centre three times a week.
