Food parcel donation misunderstanding resolved

Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Confusion about a donation of 211 food parcels led to major unrest in Mandel Park, Kroonvale, on Tuesday 21 April.

Ward councillor Glenda Mackelina was accused of wrongly distributing food parcels. Mackelina claimed that she knew nothing about the promised food parcels, and police had to protect her from a restless crowd of more than 200 people demanding food.

The following day, it was established that Lucky Supermarket was the charity behind the donation and the food parcels were handed over to the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality's (DBNLM) Department of Cooperative Services to coordinate the distribution.

Edwardine Abader, acting spokesperson of the DBNLM, said on Tuesday that, as per the resolution of the joint operations committee, a subcommittee was established to assist with the coordination and distribution of food parcels.

The committee consists of the DBNLM, SASSA, Department of Social Development, social workers, Vuyani Safe Heaven, business forum, SANParks, Gift of Givers, Assemblies of God Church and a ministers fraternal.

Unrest unfolded when people demanded food parcels last week.

Abader explained that roles of the committee include to ensure fair distribution of food parcels to beneficiaries who qualify, to ensure there is no favouritism or duplication in the distribution of food parcels, and that all donations are donated centrally to the committee and not directly to beneficiaries.

The subcommittee has a list of names received from each donor, and distribution must be done according to the list. The sub-committee resolved issues surrounding the donation and process of distributing the 211 food parcels on Monday 27 April. It was set to be distributed on 28 April, after they interrogated the list to avoid duplications.