Ward councillor threatened after food parcel handover
"We had to halt the deliveries because some of the community members had gathered in a group at Soul City."
Residents of Ward 31 in Madadeni are said to have threatened their councillor over food parcels.
Ward Councillor, Thembinkosi Danisa reported that residents demanded parcels from him following a donation of food parcels by Transnat earlier in the day.
“Transnat came with a bus to deliver the parcels at different [families] in the ward, which had been identified by ward committees to be destitute. Some residents questioned why they are not getting parcels and I told them it’s for families who are extremely in need. We had to halt the deliveries because the community had gathered in a group at Soul City, and I went back home. They still came to gate and threatened to burn my house down. They all dispersed when they saw the police.”
Mlungisi Khumalo, Head of Communications at the Newcastle Municipality, said the entity was dismayed by this alleged incident.
“We are shocked that one of our councillors faced this. We urge community members to refrain from threatening councillors. Food parcels are donated by NGOs and businesses who continue to work with us, and applaud their efforts in heeding the Mayor’s call in working together to try and assist those in need. We can fully confirm no councillor keeps food at their home. All families receiving parcels are strictly identified by criteria developed by NGOs involved.
He urged residents who were struggling during the lockdown to contact their nearest SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) for assistance, and called on the community to be sympathetic to the less fortunate.
Police were seen monitoring the situation outside Cllr Danisa’s home. Madadeni SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mandlenkosi Nkosi was contacted for response and said he would give an official comment after gathering all the necessary information.
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