Farmers donate tons of fruit to relief efforts
“Our farmers have demonstrated their their commitment and caring hearts during this pandemic
THE Cape Winelands Municipality yesterday accepted delivery of more than 20 tons of fruit donated by landowners to support humanitarian relief projects in various districts.
The municipality has partnered with the Stellenbosch Agricultural Society, the local government and the Overberg District Municipality among others, to distribute the produce to various drop-off points at local municipalities.
The partnership also aims to strengthen inter-district co-operation.
It is the third consignment received by the municipality and brings the total of fruit donated by the farms Goedvertrouw, Zonquasdrift and Dome Citrus to just under 50 tons.
The Kirsten family of Goedvertrouw also provided space in their cool rooms to store the fruit.
Yesterday’s delivery has been allocated to the Witzenberg Municipality and the Overberg and West Coast Districts.
Cape Winelands Municipality Mayor, Elna von Schlicht, said: “I am thrilled to see all role-players working together to offer relief to the very many citizens of the CWDM who are in dire need of food during this difficult time.
“I thank all involved for your innovation and initiative.”
The municipality will utilise the funds provided by the department via the Humanitarian Relief Fund for transport to ensure that the fruit reaches the various municipal areas as soon as possible.
Once the fruit is allocated to an NGO, it is delivered together with other relief items to those who are most vulnerable during the lockdown.
Meanwhile, food-processing company Philafrica Foods has donated 280 tons of yellow maize meal to be distributed to communities across South Africa.
“We have seen how Covid-19’s impact on our economy is hitting our people hard. Families are hungry and communities are struggling, and we are in the position of being able to make a difference,” said chief executive Roland Decorvet.
“We will be putting food on the tables in the form of providing 2.8 million meals in more than 12 000 homes.”