MEC hands food parcels to the destitute
DEPARTMENT of social development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi yesterday had lunch with a group of destitute members of Nompumelelo township in Beacon Bay.
The department collected about 40 people from the area who survive on “umgqhabhuzo” (eating from refuse bags) and took them to a local primary school where they received food parcels from the department.
Some elderly members of the community also received blankets and fruit baskets.
Nombulelo Njobeni, 52, a mother of five who survives by going through rubbish in the suburbs around East London, said she was grateful she would be able to cook a meal this Christmas.
“I am extremely grateful to those that made all of what we received possible – it makes a huge difference to us,” said Njobeni.
The MEC was accompanied by local councillors and portfolio head of special programmes, Xolani Witbooi.
Sihlwayi said yesterday’s festivities formed part of her department’s vision to assist those in need.
“Christmas is time for family warmth and giving. But this is not always the case in many households in our communities. While there’s abundance during this period for some, some still have to dig through rubbish dumps for their Christmas lunch,” said the MEC.
Nompumelelo Ward Councillor Makhaya Bophi said the gesture by the MEC came at a time when everyone was busy enjoying the season and spoiling themselves.
“Our community’s challenge with unemployment is known. However, it is in times like these where it becomes amplified. Everyone is going to the beach buying clothes, luxuries the majority of our people cannot enjoy,” said Bophi.
Sihlwayi also used the occasion to hand out Christmas clothes to about 50 parents identified as being in need.
The department ran a campaign during the year where employees were requested to buy Christmas clothes to donate in disadvantaged areas. The clothes were for children from ages three to 12.
The department also donated toys to local creche, Zubenathi, which it will adopt.
“True to our vision, it’s our responsibility to create a caring society that ensures giving,” said Sihlwayi. —