IT’S one of the most fundamental human rights – access to food. And for millions of South Africans who live below the poverty line, it’s been hard to afford even the most basic of basics since the announcement of the lockdown due to Covid-19.
Poor South Africans have been protesting, crying and pleading with government to provide food parcels so they can feed their hungry children, who usually have access to food only through school feeding schemes.
Tembisa resident Sponono Maredi says there would be nothing left for her and her unemployed 38-year-old son to eat if she hadn’t received a package from a local church through the People Matter Foundation.
Speaking to DRUM at her RDP house in Mqantsa section, the 59-year-old says she makes a living through babysitting her neighbours’ children and grandchildren. She also has three tenants living in shacks in her backyard.
But since the lockdown started, she hasn’t been able to earn any money.“Parents took their children to their rural homes as soon as the president announced the national disaster.
“My tenants can’t afford to pay rent because they haven’t been paid. My son is unable to go out and look for piece jobs because no movement is allowed.
“It has been tough,” she says.
Sponono has registered for the R350 social relief of distress grant.
“I am turning 60 this year and will eventually get my social grant for old age. Since we don’t know how long the lockdown will be, I wish they can pay me the R350 until my time comes to be a pensioner,” she says.
Sponono says she has also registered with the social development department for food parcels.
Denne historien er fra 14 May 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
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Denne historien er fra 14 May 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest