Gauteng residents at risk of starving due to violent protests and looting

15 July 2021

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is very concerned that all residents of Gauteng are at risk of starvation, especially those who are dependent on NGOs for food, and those that are working at malls, shopping centres and all other affected sectors.

The widespread looting, violence and social unrest has dealt a severe blow to the province’s economy and food security.

Gauteng has been experiencing continuous violence and looting, particularly in townships and CBDs across the province.

Many shops, shopping centres and malls have been looted and others burnt down to ashes, leaving no signs to show that a business once existed.

In addition, food security in the province is at risk due to road closures, preventing trucks from delivering necessities to the shops, while fuel shortages are looming due to the halt of supply.

Thousands of workers are at risk of being left unemployed and without an income, as some of the businesses may not have the capital to restock and rebuild, already having suffered due to covid-19 restrictions.

Many of these NGOs are already struggling, as the businesses who assist them have a constrained budget due to Covid-19 restrictions, and with theft and structural damage, will now not be able to support NGOs at all.

Furthermore, many NGOs in the province have already reported that they will not be able to continue with their feeding programmes due to the increased dangers of contracting Covid-19 as well as the slow rollout of vaccinations.

The protests have also disrupted vaccinations across the province and pose an increased risk of more infections in Gauteng.

The DA leadership across the province will continue to engage with their structures not to be involved in any act of violence.

We call on all Gauteng residents and different stakeholders amongst the communities to work together to bring about stability and peace in their communities.

Issued by Refiloe Nt’sekhe, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development, 15 July 2021