Social development lambast DA for centralised food distribution claims

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The Gauteng Department of Social Development has lambasted the Democratic Alliance’s claims that millions of children are suffering from malnutrition due to its decision to centralise food distribution.

This follows revelation by the DA shadow MEC for Social Development, Refilwe Nt’sekhe, that hundreds of children under the age of five are suffering, and even worse, dying of malnutrition.

According to Nt’sekhe, they have drafted a motion to debate their proposal to reverse the centralisation of the food parcel distribution function to community-based nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and regional food banks.

“This follows a shocking revelation by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, responding to DA questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), that there were 2,873 child malnutrition cases in Gauteng Hospitals last year, and 5,673 cases observed in the clinics.

“A concerning figure is the 224 severe malnutrition cases seen by the Olievenhoutbosch Extension 13 mobile clinic, which saw 224 children suffering severe acute malnutrition.

“Equally alarming are the 190 cases of severe acute malnutrition at the Weilers Farm clinic in the Vaal, and 138 malnutrition cases at the Hillbrow Community Health Centre,” said Nt’sekhe.

The department refuted the claims saying they are not only false but also a manipulation of statistics from the Gauteng Department of Health regarding patients attended to at medical facilities for malnutrition, all to remain politically relevant.

Motsamai Motlhaolwa, the departmental spokesperson, highlighted that a recent study by the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) found that 26% of people in the province go hungry in their homes; these include parents and children.

He added; “The study also found that only 12% of the population was food insecure and that there was an increase in poverty among households, the majority of which were headed by women.

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“This was despite government food parcel distribution to the vulnerable. This scientific study did not identify the cause of malnutrition as the centralisation of food banks, a claim made by the DA, but rather a growing demand for food among those without it.

“In June of this year, the department announced operational changes to non-profit organisations dealing with HIV and AIDS programmes following budget cuts by Treasury.

“The department has been allocated 332 million rand compared to the 440 million it received in the previous financial year, resulting in a shortfall of one hundred and eight million rand (108).”

Motlhaolwa indicated that, following reductions in the HIV and AIDS Programme, it has had to adjust its operations, and these changes will not affect those receiving psycho-social services from orphan and vulnerable children and youth organisations, as well as home and community care-based centres contracted to the department.

He continued; “This follows advice from Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko that there must be no reduction in the number of NPOs funded in the sector and that there must be no job losses.

“The department will continue to pay the salaries of social and auxiliary workers, community carers, and child and youth care workers who operate within the NPOs to provide psychosocial support services to vulnerable groups.

“We announced that, as a result of budget cuts and streamlining of operations, all food parcels will now be distributed through the department’s food distribution centres, managed by the Sustainable Livelihoods Development Directorate.”

Social department’s assurance

Motlhaolwa stated that food distribution centres are fully experienced in providing food parcels to food-insecure households, which includes the provision of short-term relief.

Adding that the department is still ensuring that the most vulnerable groups have access to services.

“We urge NPOs that have been handing over food parcels to the vulnerable in their communities to submit those lists to the department, as previously communicated.

“We are also working closely with the HIV and AIDS NPO sector to ensure that all families in need of food are prioritised and continue to hold regular meetings with the HIV and AIDS sector.

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“Furthermore, the department is investigating the circumstances under which food ended up at a warehouse rented by an NPO that we are no longer funding and is retrieving the food,” he expressed.

Motlhaolwa concluded by saying the department needs strategic partnerships to address poverty and hunger in the province.

He called on businesses and civil society to join them in addressing this issue, including the DA; emphasising that instead of making political mileage from the suffering of the people, they should make a constructive contribution.”