Lesufi briefed media on Wednesday morning, where he received a donation of 10 000 food parcels in Booysens.

"Our target was people who don't get social grants. People who don't earn anything and for those who are sick and vulnerable.

"We don't want them to be crowded by people who say they've been locked down for 21 days, I don't have a salary and therefore I need something now. We want it to be systematic and start with those who are vulnerable and will remain vulnerable beyond 21 days."

"If we have enough support we will then take care of those who are going through difficulties because of the performance of the economy," he added.

The department has also awarded an R80 million food parcel tender as part of efforts to cushion the poor during the coronavirus pandemic.

It has also received additional funding from national government and the Solidarity Fund.

"Today we are receiving stock of over R2.5 million and this excludes the Department of Social Development,” said Lesufi.

"The Department of Social Development has just awarded a tender of food parcels that is worth R80 million. So we have put down R80 million as a provincial government to fight poverty.

"On top of the R80 million set aside for food parcels alone, we received a letter from the National Department of Social Development that together with the Solidarity Fund, will give us R43 million to fight poverty in our province.”

The Department donated close to 2000 food parcels on Tuesday, however, Lesufi says the target is to distribute 5000 food parcels a day. 

Jacaranda FM