The party is warning that the move could worsen food insecurity in the province.

According to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development, Refiloe Nt’sekhe, the department intends to transfer food parcel distribution responsibilities from 288 Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and five regional food banks to a single centralised facility. She argues that the department lacks the logistical capacity to manage food distribution on such a scale.

Nt’sekhe says the decision will deprive vulnerable communities of critical support, especially during times of crisis. “MEC Faith Mazibuko wants to cancel the NPOs distributing food in our communities and also close down the five regional food banks. What she’s in fact doing is taking services away from the people,” she said. “NPOs operate closer to the people, understand the needs of the communities, and are faster to react when there’s a disaster or an emergency.”

Mazibuko has cited high rental costs, approximately R2 million ($108.000), for the regional food banks as a reason for the shift. However, Nt’sekhe argues that the department has yet to disclose how much will be spent on the logistics involved in centralised distribution.

The DA has warned that if the plan proceeds without proper infrastructure and consultation, many beneficiaries may not receive the food they need, potentially leading to a sharp rise in food insecurity across Gauteng.

--ChannelAfrica--