Since the outbreak of corona virus millions of people have lost their job, leaving scores of people unable to fend for themselves. The Gauteng Department of Social Development through its poverty alleviation programme remains the only source of food for many.
One such a person is 51-year old, Martin Rampore from Borwa in Westonaria, West Rand.
"I am grateful to the department for being thoughtful to the disadvantaged communities by providing food relief. The impact of this pandemic has been severe; it brought anxiety to the society. I am a bread winner in my family making end meets through piece jobs but since we are on lock down it is very hard to provide. I am a single of father of two, after I lost my wife three years ago'", explained Rampore.
He added that "As a Military Veteran I consider myself and family blessed as government did not forget about our contribution in the fight against apartheid. I can see the demand is high for this relief during the pandemic, but government made special donations for Military Veterans. I know the purpose of this programme is to provide temporary social relief to provide opportunities to the affected household to move out of the poverty cycle into sustainable programmes. But now is hard for our government to create sustainable programmes due to Covid-19 because people are now limited in the workplace. I will ever be grateful to government for taking care of us".
Rampore also appeals to businesspeople to lend a helping hand to assist government to ensure food banks remain open and accessible to provide the much-needed food and nutrition support to the hungry citizens in the society.
On Wednesday hundreds of Military Veterans and thousands of government hotline beneficiaries accessed food parcels in Westonaria. Gauteng Government will continue with food relief initiative as the level of poverty is also escalating across the province.