Numerous reports have been surfacing that one of the Covid-19 hotline numbers is actually a scam.
Posts on various social media platforms asking members of the public to call 0800 428 8364 to report under-privileged individuals who need help with food during the lockdown have been spread far and wide, but some people have said that this is ‘fake news’ and scammers are using it to get donations of money and food from people.
It has been confirmed that this number is 100 per cent real and is a Covid-19 hotline number for Gauteng, which can be used to report at-risk members of the community who need help.
Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, recently addressed several issues including concerns with regard to citizens living in informal settlements, and people whom he referred to as “trapped in areas where there will be no economic activity”.
He identified several groups whom the government has already helped, and addressed those that the various departments may have missed. Lesufi said that as a way to assist the groups whom the government has missed, distribution centres have been set up and are operational to supply food to those who do not have access to this necessity.
The beneficiaries of these food packages, which cater for one full month’s worth of groceries, fall into groups such as: learners who usually get food from school, people who usually get their food from soup kitchens, and people in shelters, to name a few.
Dignity packs are also being distributed to women and female learners who rely on such packs for their essential toiletries.
This number is extremely important and beneficial in helping those who need it the most during this time. It has been confirmed on the Ward 70 Facebook page, on the Gauteng Government’s official Twitter page (@GautengProvince), and by GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona.
See MEC Lesufi speaking about the number here:
Watch: MEC @Lesufi calls on members of society who know of any vulnerable persons who are in need of assistance during the 21-day lockdown to contact the Gauteng government call centre on 0800 428 8364 or email support@gauteng.gov.za OR hotline@gauteng.gov.za #COVID19SA pic.twitter.com/zAAfEifYAn
— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) March 26, 2020
The community is urged to call 0800 428 8364 to report any at-risk, or underserved individual who needs help during this time but has not received it as yet. Alternatively, emails can be sent to support@gauteng.gov.za.
These contact methods can also be used to find out how to donate food items, sanitizers, masks and toiletries.
