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A Turkish aid agency has stepped in to help disadvantaged families in Diepsloot, handing over much-needed food parcels.
MORE than 400 food parcels donated by a Turkish aid organisation, Horizon Educational Trust, were given to disadvantaged families in Diepsloot.
The food packages contained a variety of food items, including cooking oil, rice, sugar, sweets, tea, pasta and biscuits. The donation comes after a consultative meeting was held between the City and members of the trust, which has a presence in Johannesburg.
MMC Bafana Sithole thanks Horizon Educational Trust for assisting Diepsloot residents
Soon after the truck carrying the goods arrived at the multipurpose community centre in Diepsloot on Tuesday, 15 September, the recipients came forward to help workers from the Horizon Educational Trust unload the parcels. They were arranged carefully inside the hall, ready to be handed over.
Trust project co-ordinator, Mustafa Eroglu, said Muslims were celebrating the holy month of Ramadan and during this time often focused on helping the needy. Eroglu is based in Johannesburg.
Ramadan is a special month for over one billion Muslims worldwide. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God and self-control.
A team of four members of the organisation from Istanbul accompanied him to help with the distribution.
"We are delighted to be able to support Diesploot with the food parcels. At Horizon Educational Trust we have the vision to inspire humanity. It is our responsibility to ensure these communities are sustainable and we are pleased to be able to help other communities in our region that require aid," said Eroglu.
After Ramadan, the trust would slaughter some cattle and donate meat to disadvantaged groups in Johannesburg, he added.
Steven Sack, the director of arts and culture in the City, opened one of the parcels to show the crowd what was inside - to loud applause and ululation from the appreciative beneficiaries.
Director of arts and culture Steven Sack opens a food parcel
Receiving the donation on behalf of the residents, the member of the mayoral committee for community development, Bafana Sithole, thanked the organisation for supporting disadvantaged communities.
Speaking about the challenges faced by people in the township, he said: "Diepsloot is one of the poorest informal settlements in the city ... We absolutely would not be here if it were not for the amazing generosity of the Horizon Educational Trust."
Located on the northwestern outskirts of Johannesburg, Diepsloot is an undeveloped and poverty-stricken township. Crime, illiteracy and overcrowding are among the many problems in the area.
About 150 000 people live in Diepsloot, with a third staying in shacks. Although most basic services have been provided, people in the reception area live in squalor.
Ward councillor, Isaac Maila, said the food parcels would help needy families suffering from economic hardship. "Unemployment is a significant problem in Diepsloot and it is that bit extra something for them that will make the difference."
After the presentation, outside the hall, the beneficiaries scrambled to get bars of chocolate that were distributed by one of the trust officials.
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