A country's progress is assessed to a large extent on its ability to care and defend the rights of the most vulnerable of its citizens. This is done through programs to raise the quality of life and limit their vulnerabilities. The protection of the poor and vulnerable is a top government priority. The ANC led Government has made concerted efforts to support community based organizations to increase the reach and range of development services rendered to the unemployed, Children, HIV infected and affected, People living with disabilities and the elderly.
In Launching the Winter Relief Program, on Tuesday, 9 May 2017, MEC Gift Van Staden stated that, The Winter Relief program forms part of the Social Relief program of the Department of Social Development, aiming at the provision of a safety net for people in distress. A total amount of R 7 145 000 had been allocated for this purpose in 2017/2018 financial year, of which R 998 250 had been bydgeted for the winter relief program.
The Social relief program is strengthend during the winter months, since this is the time when vulnerable people in the community is most at risk due to severe weather condidtions.
The focus of the winter relief program this year will be the following:
- Children living and working on the street must recieve special consideration regarding the provision of meals.
- Older persons, especially those that are bedridden and might need to use disposable adult diapers.
- Men on the side of the road.
- People at municipal dumps.
Furthermore the MEC added that, the following money has been made available for the winter Relief Program in the various Districts:
- Francis Baard - R387 600.
- Namaqua - R274 400.
- JTG and ZFM - R 100 000
- Pixley ka Seme - R120 00.
- Provincial office - R166 250.
These amounts are but a drop in the ocean, but we stretch it to help as many people as possible. I therefore call upon the private sector to generously contribute and to support our welfare organizations and community soup kitchens.
“It is therefore incumbent on all of us to look out and take care of those less fortunate and in need. I once again extend a humble plea that wherever we can assist to do so. Government alone cannot bring the relief needed and I believe that working together we can make this coming winter season a little more bearable for our fellow man.
If there is one thing that our people might be known for, it would be charitble deeds like feeding the homeless. Whether it's a church that organizes local mission trips at soup kitchen, a youth group deciding to volunteer by making lunches and handing them out, or an individual who decides to start up a non-profitit seems the community and business has done some things right in this area. This is not to say, of course, that there have never been problems or misdeeds within our person, of course; but what I am saying is that, stereotypically humans are known for trying to take care of the homeless.
The reasons for this are really a variety: inspired by Scripture, seeing a need and wanting to fill it, movement by the Holy Spirit, or even wanting to take care of someone less fortunate since God took care of them. Whatever the reason is, there is a good Scriptural backing for taking care of the homeless and hungry.
Scripture is clear about the need to help those less fortunate. Instead of just havinf an abstact faith, its important to put it into practice in tangible ways, such as feeding and taking care of those who are hungry and cannot do it themselves: homless, widows, orphans etc. Anbody in need deserves our compassion, if for no other reason than the Lord being compassionate to us.
Following the media briefieng the Department, under the leadership of MEC van Staden and with the support of the Head of Department, Ms. Drinie Samson and officials concluded the day with the feeding of street children at the intersection of the Sol Plaatje University and Municipality.
By Tebogo Mokae
