Mass food distribution programme needed

LAUDABLE as the ANC government’s attempts are to control the spread of the coronavirus, we are concerned that they do not go far enough to address the real needs of the poorest, most vulnerable in our society in this time of crisis.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has shown his willingness to approve huge amounts to be spent in the fight against the virus. In his most recent announcement, he referred to the UIF having set aside R40 billion to help employees unable to work.

But we support calls from various concerned civil society groups for the government to initiate mass food distribution programmes, including masks and hand sanitisers.

An immediate project should be launched to sanitise every single dwelling in every single informal settlement, along the lines required of the minibus taxi industry.

During the lockdown, all holiday accommodation facilities are standing idle. These could be drafted into service to house the homeless and those requiring isolation and quarantining; they could also provide accommodation for those who need to be protected against gender-based violence.

Furthermore, we hope that the government won’t flinch from nationalising the private health-care sector if this becomes necessary.

Of great concern to us is the way in which the DA-led Western Cape administration is using jackboot methods to implement the lockdown among the poor and homeless.

The facility that they have erected in Strandfontein has all the hallmarks of a concentration camp. And then, incomprehensibly, at this time they are demolishing shackhomes in Khayelitsha.

These actions are to be condemned in the strongest terms.

NOTE: This information should not be regarded as legal advice and is merely provided for information purposes on various aspects of tax law.

This article has been written by Graeme Palmer, a Director in the Commercial Department of Garlicke & Bousfield Inc For more information contact Graeme on telephone : +27 31 570 5496, email : graeme.palmer@gb.co.za