By REGINALD KANYANE
More than 100 people from underprivileged backgrounds received food parcels at Mokgareng village in Taung recently. This comes after a local businessman and philanthropist, Tshidiso Moreane in partnership with Sylvester Seokwang donated food parcels to the needy amid COVID-19 National Lockdown.
Moreane said they saw it fit to lend a helping hand as many households struggle to make ends meet during this time. He further said many people continue to be subjected to unemployment, inequality and poverty especially in rural areas.
More than 56% of people are currently unemployed in South Africa.
“We have identified a few households after a cry from locals. Most people are still living in dire situations and it was our responsibility to preach the spirit of ubuntu. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many businesses including us at Druzaray Aluminium Glass, but we cannot turn a blind eye to those who are less fortunate.
“We distributed food parcels and we will continue with this initiative across all surrounding areas if need be. We would also like to encourage other stakeholders to contribute and ensure that together, we win this battle,” he said.
Seokwang who is the Project Manager at CHAPS Non-Government Organisation shared the same sentiments. He also urged people to ensure that they follow all regulations put in place by the government.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to destroy life and livelihoods globally. More than 2.5 million cases of COVID-19 infections and over 160,000 deaths were reported thus far globally. However, many countries that were affected by the pandemic are now starting to see resurgence in cases because they adhered to the lockdown regulations implemented.
“This virus will be with us for a long time, so make no mistake. We have a long way to go and there is no question that stay-at-home orders and other physical distancing measures have successfully suppressed transmission. The pandemic is extremely dangerous, so we need to be extra careful at all times,” said Seokwang.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa urges community members who want to apply for social relief of distress during COVID-19 lockdown to send ‘Please Call Me’ or ‘Hi’ to WhatsApp numbers allocated to every district in the province.
Moiloa said: “The departmental officials stationed at the regional call centre in Mahikeng will call back all applicants who would have sent ‘Please Call Me’ or ‘Hi’ to the WhatsApp numbers to process their applications.
“Each district has been allocated two WhatsApp numbers which community members should use to apply for social relief of distress without visiting social development and SASSA local offices, which are currently closed due to Covid-19 lockdown period. Community members may still use the call centre Toll-Free number 0800 60 10 11 and 018 397 3360 to make applications for social relief of distress from Monday to Friday at 07h30 – 16h30 and Saturdays at 07h30 – 13h00.”
Districts are allocated WhatsApp numbers for application of social relief of distress as follows:
Bojanala Platinum: 082 048 2063/082 044 8903
Dr Kenneth Kaunda: 082 324 3330/082 059 8761
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati: 082 325 2286/082 042 3968
Ngaka Modiri Molema: 082 324 2779/082 048 3071
The Guardian 