Update on City of Ekurhuleni COVID-19 Food Bank

On 14 April 2020, Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Cllr Mzwandile Masina and Gauteng Province Premier David Makhura launched the Ekurhuleni COVID-19 Food Bank (ECFB) at the Ekurhuleni Fresh Food Market, in Springs.

The ECFB was established to ensure that the poorest of families in the City have access to the most basic, but most important, supplies during the nation-wide lockdown. This includes food, sanitisers, masks and other necessities. To date, the food bank has received an outstanding response from donors across the City.

Businesses, NGOs, celebrities and citizens have heeded the call made by Mayor Masina for everyone to come together during this global pandemic. As of 20 April, the ECFB has received food donations that collectively amount to approximately R3,8 million in value.

All donations are stored in cold rooms at the Ekurhuleni Fresh Food Market. The donations are packaged into food parcels which consist of maize meal, sugar, baked beans, tinned fish, cooking oil, mixed vegetables, tea and, soap. Depending on availability, the parcels will also contain, samp, flour, meat packs, powdered milk and juice. Zero public funds have been utilised in the distribution of food parcels, availability of items is dependent on donations received and the availability of stock. The total number of food parcels distributed are as follows:

In the interest of accountability and transparency, the following measures have been introduced at the ECFB:

• All donations received by the ECFB are registered and recorded by the Department of Health and Social Development officials
• Councillors submit names of beneficiaries of food parcels from their respective wards to the Department of Health and Social Development officials
• Political parties have agreed to allocate a specified amount of food parcels every month for Councillors to collect and distribute in their respective wards
• CoE Department of Health and Social Development officials will distribute food parcels to beneficiaries across the City on an ongoing basis
• A report on the number of food parcels distributed and the accompanying beneficiary list will be submitted to Council on a monthly basis
• No cash or monetary donations are accepted the ECFB, only grocery vouchers, food parcels, sanitary items and toiletries will be accepted
• No Municipal Funds have been used to procure food parcels and only donations will be utilized

“We have been humbled by the response we have received from the people of Ekurhuleni. Our vision was to create a central distribution facility where we can mobilise society to assist those who are in need during the nation-wide lockdown. We are fast realising this vision.

“We are still pleading with the public to donate what they can, so we can ensure no one goes hungry during this national disaster,” said Mayor Masina.

Businesses, NGOs and individuals that would like to make donations to the Ekurhuleni COVID-19 Food Bank are requested to please call 011 999 5102 or 071 470 7974 for more information.

Issued by the Office of the Executive Mayor

For more information, please contact the Spokesperson to the Executive Mayor, Phakamile Mbengashe on 011 999 0098