Boitumelo Moiloa, arranged a food distribution drive for families facing extreme hardships at the Matsatseng informal settlement near the capital Mahikeng. The initiative took place on Thursday April 6th, just in time for the Easter weekend.
According to statistics, 18.2 million South Africans live in extreme poverty as of 2022, with the daily poverty line set at R35,14. This means that approximately 123,000 more individuals are forced into poverty. The number has risen since the year 2021. With the population expected to grow during the subsequent years; it is estimated that by 2025, around 18.5 million South Africans will be surviving on a daily income of not more than R35.14.
The South African government created a temporary social relief grant during the Covid-19 pandemic, for aid purposes; but families are still unable to meet their families' most basic needs.
Moiloa, who was joined by the local councillor, members of the ward committee, and representatives from her department, said that the social alleviation of distress program would significantly reduce malnutrition and hunger in the province's impoverished communities. “It is a reality that many families in our nation are finding it difficult to put food on the table due to the high unemployment rate and the rising cost of food. The remaining families will continue to be profiled by our social workers, who will also offer them food assistance and other social services,” she assured the residents.
The MEC went on to remind community members to abstain from substance misuse and gender-based violence over the Easter holiday. She emphasized the need to ensure the welfare of those who are most in need, such as children, women, and individuals with disabilities.
The food basket, according to pensioner, Gogo Ikaneng Magopodi, who lives in a small shack with seven children, arrived at the perfect time. "We are appreciative that our leaders brought us some food. Nothing was left for us to eat here. I am grateful. Do not stop being kind to people,” she said.
Gopolang Maruping, a local councilman, stated that additional food parcels are required to feed the numerous households in the area and referred to Moiloa's food distribution push ahead of the Easter holidays as a blessing in disguise. "School dropout is a typical occurrence here, which greatly contributes to youth unemployment," he added.
Maruping stated that they had given the inhabitants access to clean water even though they are still working hard to get land for the residents through the regular legal process.
After the Easter break, Moiloa plans to launch a service delivery blitz in the Matsatseng informal settlement to give inhabitants access to services from various government agencies, including state-owned businesses.
The MEC concluded with wishing those in attendance to enjoy their Easter weekend.
