Media Release: Habata Boerdery and NcediSA donate fresh produce to vulnerable citizens.
IMMEDIATE: THURSDAY, 26 March 2020
The coronavirus pandemic motivated Habata Boerdery and NcediSA to rapidly donate and distribute fresh produce to citizens who fall within high-risk categories and disadvantaged areas ahead of the national lockdown scheduled to commence at midnight on Thursday, 26 March 2020.
Through collaborating resources during these unprecedented times, both farmer and the agriculture resource company were able to distribute 4000kg of food to frail care homes for the elderly, havens for abandoned and vulnerable children as well as two squatter camps in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. Together, they were able to donate 10 x 400kg bins filled with spanspek, butternut, watermelon, and lemons.
The COVID -19 virus has led to a National State of Disaster, in terms of the Disaster Management Act as announced by President, Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation on the 15th March 2020.
Hannes Joubert of Habata Boerdery shared, “All South Africans will be negatively affected, therefore it is a time for our nation to unite and help each other through challenging times. There are far too many citizens at a disadvantage, who do not have access to food, let alone healthy fresh immune-boosting produce to help give them a fighting against this pandemic.”
The elderly and those with compromised immune systems have been noted to be more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus. The elderly who received donations included Gelvan Park Frail Aged Home and Bethelsdorp Old Age Home. Children who were noted in high-risk categories included Erica House Place of Safety as well as the House of Resurrection in Salsoneville Township, who provide shelter for children who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS or abandonment.
Noted on the list of those in a vulnerable situation are also two informal settlements known as Rimvasmaak squatter camp and Rosewille squatter camp who will receive donations of fruit and vegetables ahead of the lockdown. These donations will contribute towards the efforts to provide sustenance for those who are not privileged to have resources to prepare for the lockdown.
Mr Mkhonto Mntwini, Managing Director NcediSA shared, “These are challenging times for everyone and the spread of the novel Coronavirus has tangibly changed our lives. As responsible South African citizens, we should collectively support each other, especially the vulnerable in an effort to curb the spread of this infectious virus.”
