Gift of the Givers calls for unity

THE ongoing looting has seen scores of people going hungry, as they weren’t able to receive food relief from organisations.

This narrative is, however, about to change – as Gift of the Givers and FoodForward SA aim to continue their distribution today.

Trucks carrying food supplies along Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal’s major highways were looted, resulting in empty tummies, as destinations for deliveries could not be reached.

Commenting on the aftermath of the looting, Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said: “Their inhuman activity has robbed babies of formula milk, while the elderly and the physically challenged, orphanages and ordinary civilians, have been denied access to basic foods and medical supplies.”

He said the time has come for the country to unite and fight what has been described as a second pandemic.

FoodForward SA managing director Andy Du Plessis said their Durban branch was badly damaged and looted of all stock, an eight-ton refrigerated truck was stolen, and other vehicles vandalised, while office equipment was stolen as well.

“Although our Johannesburg branch was not looted, the volatile situation necessitated its temporary closure – which meant that we could not distribute food for a week.

“Supply chains have been disrupted so food prices will increase. Businesses closing will mean that people will lose their jobs, and some businesses may not recover at all,” said Du Plessis.