As destitute residents in the province continue to receive much-required food parcels by Gauteng Department of Social Development as corona virus is ravaging communities, most beneficiaries have applauded the endeavour.
Last Thursday unemployed 26-year-old Phumzile Nkosi, a mother of two kids from 8 Avenue in Alexander township, commended government and said, "Since the beginning of lockdown, I have been receiving food parcels that has helped me and my family so much. If it was not for this assistance we could have maybe perished through hunger or the virus itself".
The same sentiments were echoed by Patience Chauke (51), who also came to collect food parcel at the Multi-purpose Centre and said, "After receiving a call from the official informing me to assemble at the centre for collection, I was pleased knowing that my family is going to get food. We will be sorted at least for couple weeks, thanks to government".
According to Tshifhiwa Tshikalaha, Sustainable Livelihood Community Development Manager from the Johannesburg Region said, "This Festive Season Food Distribution Program is targeting 25000 beneficiaries in each of the Gauteng's five Regions and has since started on the Christmas Eve in December and will end in March 2021".
He said that the beneficiaries are identified by the Department in partnership with local community leaders and it also seeks to address the backlog from Premier's Helpline.