Food bank programme can be viable post-lockdown: Limpopo Premier
Limpopo has thus far during the lockdown provided food to more than 10 000 destitute households
LIMPOPO – Those found to be involved in the unfair distribution of food parcels to beneficiaries in the province will be harshly dealt with, Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha has warned.
The premier made this statement during the launch of the Capricorn District Food Bank, which was held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last week.
Since the lockdown started, Limpopo Provincial Government has been providing food relief to more than 10 000 destitute households.
“Our food parcel programme includes the provision of cooked meals to more than 700 homeless people across the province in 14 temporary shelters,” he said.
Coordinated mechanisms have so far been established to ensure that food which is donated, is distributed in an effective manner, the premier said.
“Various role players are collaborating to identify and distribute food to the vulnerable and deserving beneficiaries”.
Mathabatha confirmed that government continues to receive complaints from various parts of the province about the alleged misuse of the food parcel distribution process.
“We wish to call on all our people to report these cases to the law enforcement agencies. We will ensure that those involved in using this programme for their own agenda, will face the full might of the law.”
The premier said he believes through good cooperation, the current programme will be fruitful even beyond the current lockdown.
“For the food bank to be effective at district level, there will be a need for district food banks to be established. This type of network ensures that we can trace food parcels from the local to district and to provincial level,” he said.
He said government continues to provide homeless people with temporary shelters, sanitiser, food and dignitary packs.
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