Lesufi: Gauteng food parcels ‘tamper proof’
Acting Gauteng Social Development MEC Panyaza Lesufi says the food parcels being distributed to the province’s most vulnerable are “tamper proof”.
“There are some disturbing reports about looting and corruption in the distribution of food parcels. We want to put it on record that in Gauteng we don’t have such a situation. Our distribution is tamper proof and can be audited.”
#FoodParcels Lesufi says the distribution of food parcels in Gauteng, is "tamper proof".
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) April 23, 2020
He says the distribution of food in Gauteng is done in a way that prevents stealing. pic.twitter.com/bVvAyI2Nr8
Lesufi was speaking at a press briefing at the Tshwane Food Bank on Thursday, where Meal SA donated 6000 bags of maize meal.
His comments come after weekend reports that eight out of nine of the country’s provinces had reported some form of corruption in the distribution of food parcels.
The reports claim that councilors, who were tasked with handing out food to the most needy, were instead keeping it for their friends and families.
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Lesufi pointed out that the Gauteng government has discouraged councillors and politicians from participating in food distribution.
Councillors will however be used to collate information on who would be deserving of the food parcels in various communities.
“We have issued a communique to councillors and public representatives that they must stay away from the distribution of food parcels,” said Lesufi.
“In Gauteng, before the reports came on the conduct of public representatives, we sent a letter to all our public representatives that they must assist us in collating the information because they know who is suffering in.
“We distribute using government machinery and not any political party or any person connected with a political party,” he added.