15 Jul 2020

Kgatleng District Council chairperson, Mr Daniel Molokwe, says a total of 20 465 households have received food ration.

He told a full council meeting on Monday that out of 26 463 households that were assessed, 21 753 were recommended for assistance.

Mr Molokwe said a total of 1 288 expatriates were assessed and names were forwarded to the Red Cross Society for approval, but only 344 beneficiaries were approved and subsequently assisted.

A total of 140 shops including tuck-shops and 57 farmers were engaged in feeding.

According to Mr Molokwe, assessment of beneficiaries started on April 11 and ended on May 6 with a staff compliment of 62 officers.

He said due to budget constraints, the staff was complemented by 13 temporary social welfare officers as opposed to the 21 that were needed, adding that this affected the assessment exercise since the district took long to complete assessments.

He said additional eight temporary social welfare officers were recruited in June to augment the existing staff.

Mr Molokwe said even though the district managed to issue the food baskets, it had been noted that the exercise somehow created a dependency syndrome and family related conflicts.

“If the pandemic continues to persist, it is anticipated that there shall be an increase in the destitute programme since a lot of people might be left unemployed. If the destitute persons increase, it therefore means that the government expenditure shall increase hence affecting the other project implementation,” he said. ENDS