Salute for handling of the pandemic

WHEN the coronavirus pandemic forced people into lockdown, the South African government stepped in to assist citizens who had seen their incomes diminish, and their businesses suffer due to Covid- 19.

The relief came in different forms like providing economic relief package to unemployed, increasing Sassa grants, and boosting distressed farmers.

For this, I want to extend my applause to the whole administration under President Cyril Ramaphosa for their consistent commitment to implement temporary measures in assisting our people, in different economic sectors, particularly those in the agricultural sector.

Since the announcement by Minister Thoko Didiza that R1.2 billion was set aside to ensure sustainable food production post the pandemic and initiate a producer relief fund for subsistence producers that would help them retain selfemployment and support food value chains, the work of the government is there for everyone to see.

In Gauteng, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has spent millions of rand to assist many small- scale farmers. I heard many heart- warming recounts by farmers who received relief grants attesting that they used their windfall to pay for animal feed, medication, seedlings, fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides.

When the pandemic hit home, we all saw doom and gloom on the horizon but through this assistance, many people staved off what was to become undesirable. I want to salute all government officials who dispensed relief to the masses for their commitment to providing better services to people even when the conditions were unfavourable.

| Duduza