The damage the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to our socio-economic landscape has been severe and will be felt for some time to come. Consequently, a series of measures are being implemented by the Western Cape Government to protect the well-being and livelihoods of many Western Cape residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
“We are acutely aware of the growing need for nutritional relief not just in this Province or country, but globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact. As such, we are continuing to provide humanitarian relief support to our most vulnerable citizens, who remain a priority,” said the Western Cape Minister for Social development, Sharna Fernandez.
For the 2022/23 financial year, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has made R 50. 69 million available for food relief programmes. This amount serves to support the provincial COVID-19 Recovery Plan’s Well-being and Dignity priority area, responding to the food crisis that we are facing in the Province due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic impact thereof.
The provincial DSD currently provides nutritional support at 109 feeding sites via Community Nutritional Development Centres (CNDCs) reaching 9620 beneficiaries. In order to access the nutritional relief available at CNDCs, beneficiaries must be assessed and referred by a clinic, SASSA regional or DSD local office or a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) recommending an intake period with a date of re-assessment.
It is important to note that SASSA remains the lead agency charged with social support to the poor in terms of Chapter 3 of the Social Assistance Act. This legislative mandate covers food parcels, and vouchers, among other forms of social relief of distress.
“The current COVID-19 pandemic has compounded socio-economic uncertainties, requiring a whole-of-society approach to promoting improved safety, well-being and dignity. In this regard, we will continue to build relationships with all stakeholders who are interested in improving the lives of the residents in the Western Cape,” added Minister Fernandez.
“I wish to thank all those Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and members of the public for their support and valuable contributions in alleviating many of the social ills and challenges faced by our vulnerable citizens,” concluded Minister Fernandez.
