Today, the Oceana Group made a donation of R250 000 towards the procurement and distribution of food packages in aid of thousands of farm worker communities in the Western Cape. The company has earmarked eight communities, including Bergriver, Malmesbury, Khayamandi, Wellington, Paarl, Lourensford Farm in Somerset West and Citrusdal for this distribution.
The food relief packages will reach the communities next week through Food Bank South Africa. Meanwhile, the distribution of relief food packages has entered its second day in De Doorns. So far, close to 4 000, out of a targeted 6 000, have received food packages for the Christmas period. The food parcels comprise of maize meal, rice, cooking oil and other goods.
The food relief initiative came after an appeal by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, following labour protests that affected sixteen towns in the Western Cape. In many towns, protesting farm workers did not receive their wages, and thus, many could not buy food.
The donation from the Oceana Group comes after a number of companies pledged their support through donations to the affected communities. Among those involved include Hortgro and Tigerbrands and Albany in Bellville, Cape Town. The Food Bank SA has contributed through providing access to its warehouse and use of its logistics for distribution.
"We are grateful to all the companies that have gone out of their way to assist us in making this Christmas better than it would have been for communities in the farming areas of the Western Cape. From officials at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries who have collectively collected and donated food through the Food Bank, to companies that have lent their support as well as the general public, the message is clear that the role of farm workers, and their plight, have been elevated to all spheres of our society," said Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.
Food contributions will be accepted until 21 December. All drop offs can be made between 8:30am and 3:30pm from Mondays to Fridays at the Food Bank SA warehouse in Epping, Cape Town. The address is: 110 Gunner Circle, Cape Town Epping Market.
Members of the public can contact the Food Bank SA Warehouse Manager, Ms Olivia Erispe, on 021 531 5670 or email her on this address, Olivia@foodbankcpt.org.
From the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, you can contact Ms Carol Moses on carolmo@daff.gov.zaor call her on 021 402 3448.
Palesa Mokomele
Spokesperson for the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Telephone: 012 319 7876 (PTA)
Fax: 012 319 6681 (PTA)
Telephone: 021 467 4502 (CPT)
Fax: 021 465 6550 (CPT)
cell: 082 904 1908
E-mail: PalesaM@daff.gov.za
