The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng rejects the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s (GDSD) plan to centralise food bank operations by transferring food parcel distribution from 288 Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and the five regional food banks to a central food bank. This decision raises serious concerns as the GDSD lacks the capacity to distribute food centrally. The beneficiaries may not receive the food they need, leading to a sharp rise in food insecurity.
This information was disclosed by Gauteng Department of Social Development Acting HOD, Bongani Ngomane and his team during a recent Social Development Portfolio Committee meeting. The plan to establish a centrally located food bank comes as the department cites the high R2 million monthly rent cost for maintaining the existing food banks.
While establishing a central food bank may seem cost-effective, the department will likely face increased distribution costs, creating barriers to the delivery of food parcels and leaving many, including vulnerable children, at risk of hunger. Furthermore, local suppliers to food banks and NPOs would also be left out in the cold, leading to unintended job losses.
In contrast, continuing with NPOs as food drop-in centres and regional food banks can help reduce transportation costs and ensure that food services are delivered close to where they are needed. Besides, centralising food distribution undermines the empowerment of local suppliers and businesses, which could stimulate the economy and create jobs.
The DA demands that GDSD withdraw the plan, cautioning it could create obstructions, distance food distribution from the communities, and destroy jobs in the NPO sector. The department struggled with food distribution when it was decentralised so it’s hard to believe it would manage effectively when centralised to a single bank.
The DA has tabled questions to GDSD to determine cost comparison on the NPOs and regional food banks versus a centralised food bank.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would ensure proper monitoring and evaluation to fix loopholes in the food distribution process. We would also maintain an updated database of beneficiaries to ensure that no individual in need of a food parcel is left out. Collaborating with NPOs, we will ensure that services are provided closer to those in need.