LEDA PARTNERS WITH VKB MILLING

To donate food parcels to needy communities

An unintended consequence of the prolonged lockdown, with no real end in sight, is the amplified effect that this is having on local communities that currently have reduced sources of income or access to food and facilities. Through generous donations, the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) in partnership with a Limpopo based milling company, VKB Milling, is putting food on the table for hundreds of poor households to alleviate poverty during the Covid-19 lockdown.

LEDA, through its CSI programme, teamed-up with VKB Milling, following numerous donation requests from different charity organizations for food parcels and otherrelated assistance.

Get Well Charity Organization (GWCO) an NGO based in Lebowakgomo is privileged to be one of the latest beneficiaries of LEDA and VKB’s generosity. The NGO identified 20 families who were in desperate need of assistance and were provided with 20 x 25kg super maize meal. GWCO Founder and Chairperson: Ms. Anne M Kgomo said the lockdown period had affected most families around Lebowakgomo, making it difficult for them to put food on the table.

“This campaign for food parcel donations was formed because not everyone will manage to take care of themselves and their loved ones until the end of this lockdown period. “It’s impossible for the unemployed

CEO of LEDA: Thakhani Makhuvha

“We are targeting the homes of the most vulnerable where there are unemployed parents, childheaded households, and the elderly who are supporting their grandchildren.”

and those relying on informal jobs to get through this phase,” said Kgomo. “We are targeting the homes of the most vulnerable where there are unemployed parents, child-headed households and the elderly who are supporting their grandchildren.” LEDA’s CSI Specialist, Ms. Kholofelo Motlharo said there had been an upsurge in the number of calls from charity organizations seeking food relief.

She said LEDA’s CSI programme was used as the mechanism to identify deserving beneficiaries for food relief in the communities. During the handover of the food parcels in a small social distance event Motlharo said, “it is extremely humbling and gratifying to be able to give something back to the community under these difficult circumstances”.

She added that, LEDA, as the provincial agency with specific programmes that are designed to achieve structural change in critical areas of the economy, “is commited to contribute substantively to poverty alleviation and addressing inequalities”. VKB Milling said they are proud to be part of a process that is intended to help “our people.

”In these difficult times, we’re proud to join forces and play such a vital role in supporting people in need, especially during their period of isolation,” said the VKB rep.

Beneficiaries of food parcel donations

For more information: Please contact: Mthunzi Dlamini LEDA Interim Corporate Communications Manager. mthunzi.dlamini@lieda.co.za

Magnifisan maize meal produced in Limpopo