25 May 2007
At least winter season will not be harsh for 23 destitute families, 14 of
which are child headed, around Mafikeng, who were donated blankets and food
hampers to the value of R20 000 by North West Finance MEC Maureen Modiselle
today. Modiselle said instead of providing lunch for dignitaries who attended
her departmental budget speech, the department decided to do things differently
this year. "It is not correct to provide for people who can afford to buy food
and not do something for destitute families out there. As a community we must
look after one another. It is not much but it's something for a start," said
Modiselle about the gesture.
Modiselle added that society has an obligation to look after its orphans and
child headed families. One of the beneficiaries, 20 year old Boitumelo
Phokwane, a grade 11 learner at a nearby school, said looking after her four
other siblings is burdensome for her. Since her mother's death earlier this
year, she has been forced to hold the fort. "I appreciate what the department
has done today. My other siblings will also appreciate the fact that even
though we are orphans, we are not forgotten as there are people out there, like
MEC Modiselle, who think about the less privileged. The grocery and blanket
will see us though this winter," she said.
All beneficiaries were identified through the help of two local Non
Governmental Organisations.
For enquiries, contact:
Eben Cobblah
Tel: 018 387 3584
Cell: 082 902 0394
Issued by: Department of Finance, North West Provincial Government
25 May 2007
