POLOKWANE – The Department of Social Development says they do not use a blanket approach to assist families in need.
The Spokesperson for the department, Witness Tiva says they allocated a social worker to the family who had started eligibility assessment but it was established that the family was more than the criteria set out to receive food parcels.
Read more: Local family receives expired food as donation
“Each case is considered by its own merits. Several factors come into play, such as the number of dependents or the family’s expenses.” Tiva says it should be noted that a large sum of the family’s income is spent on paying rent and the department is trying to come up with a solution to assist the family in reducing this amount. “The social worker in charge of the case is still conducting investigations in order to assess how best to assist the family.”
Tiva says the department is available to assist vulnerable families who are urged to visit any of their offices to ask for assistance.”If one cannot get to the offices, there is a social worker available at every healthcare facility. Simply visit any hospital or clinic and a social worker should be at hand to assist.”‘
BONUS contacted the family who then confirmed that the department has been assisting them.”Although we have not received a food parcel from them, they did say they will try their best to assist us. I have a meeting scheduled today, 13 August, where the social workers will continue to asses our situation.”
Requirements needed to be considered for a food parcel:
• Being a South African citizen
• A lapse in temporary disability grants
• Beneficiaries not receiving social grants due to fraudulent transactions or failed bank verification
• Awaiting payment of approved grants
• A household affected by disaster
• A monthly household income of R3 600 or less.
