DA challenges draft food distribution regulations

THE Democratic Alliance (DA) is taking the Department of Social Development to court over the draft regulations for the distribution of food to vulnerable South Africans.

The party claims the proposed regulations, which are already being implemented in some parts of the country, prohibit NGOs from distributing food to vulnerable people during the national lockdown.

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‘Many NGOs have closed their doors owing to the prohibitive restrictions imposed on them by a government obsessed with centralisation.

‘The NGOs were helping lift the heavy burden from the shoulders of the state, but instead of support, they’ve seen only scorn and bureaucratic red tape,’ said DA shadow cabinet member, James Lorimer.

‘Because of the department’s actions, soup kitchens are prevented from preparing and serving hot meals to poor people, many of whom cannot afford water and electricity to cook their own meals, and who may not receive a food parcel given the recent reports of food parcel corruption and delays in delivery.

‘These people are now cut off from their only means of survival.’

The party said that while independent schemes may still operate, the rules they need to comply with make it almost impossible for them to continue their work.

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