​Community members should understand that food relief programme is a temporary measure by the government and a step to linking beneficiaries with sustainable development programmes. These were the words from West Rand’s Gauteng Department Sustainable Livelihood’s Directorate official, Simonitta Leeu, during a radio interview at Westside FM on Wednesday.
Leeu said, “Our region is one of the most poverty-stricken areas in the province and consists mainly of households from rural areas. Following the outbreak of coronavirus, the department stepped up the temporary food relief program to households who find themselves in caught up poverty.

She added that the department is responsible for the identification and profiling of beneficiaries. This process enables the department to manage and direct resources and programmes to communities in the most vulnerable areas and communities. In principle, households are supported for three months with a food parcel while they wait for social security grant to be approved. In a case where there are no birth certificates or identify documents beneficiaries are assisted to obtain those and also assisted with skills development and job placements. The demand for food always exceeds the availability of food, hence beneficiaries are linked to an exit strategy”, said Leeu.

The exit strategy links beneficiaries to various entrepreneurship program. West Rand Region Food Bank has also partnered with the municipalities to assist beneficiaries with job placement and economic opportunities.