CDM has in partnership with Red Cross, handed over food parcels to 16 traditional authorities across the District for distribution to poor households as a social relief intervention to mitigate the economic effects of Covid-19. The handing over took place on 26 August 2020 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The parcels were part of the 400 packages that were recently donated by Red Cross SA to the District Food Bank in their effort to partner with government and provide humanitarian support to indigent households and those whose livelihoods were disrupted by the national state of disaster. Mr George Mamabolo of Red Cross said they were encouraged by CDMβs consistent commitment to feed those in need in the wake of unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic. He said the Red Cross is an equally committed partner to fighting hunger that was occasioned by Covid-19 and βwe intend to expand and reach more people in needβ.
Executive Mayor Cllr John Mpe said government alone cannot fight poverty with the required speed and impact and therefore, a partnership with like-minded organizations such as the Red Cross is indepensable in order to respond to the needs of poor households.
He said so far the District Food Bank has provided over 20 700 households with assorted food parcels since the bank was established in April. βAlthough this virus has devastated us, it also has proven to us that working together we can defeat the affliction of povertyβ, he said, adding that the food parcels handed over today to 16 of 28 traditional authorities are meant to restore the dignity of indigent households βbecause no one should ever have to beg for foodβ, Mpe said.
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CDM Municipality