Dear Editor
This past weekend marked a significant moment for the DA in the Eastern Cape as we welcomed a delegation from the Taiwanese government who are contributing to the DA’s anti-poverty campaign to ensure food security and poverty alleviation in the province. The Eastern Cape is the hardest hit by South Africa’s cost-of-living crisis, with soaring hunger, child starvation, widespread poverty, and staggering unemployment affecting our communities.
Statistics from the Eastern Cape Health Department reveal the stark reality of 98 child deaths due to acute malnutrition in 2022/2023 and 109 in 2023/2024. This follows a report by the South African Human Rights Commission, which stated that 116 children starved during the 2021/2022 financial year. Therefore, the total number of child malnutrition deaths in the Eastern Cape stands at 323 since April 2021.
To combat this issue, the Taipei Liaison Office of Taiwan in South Africa generously donated to our province. This donation includes 20 tons of rice, one ton of maize, 1000 pairs of school shoes, school bags, stationery, more than 500 blankets, and seven wheelchairs.
These contributions will be distributed to those in need through local NPOs to alleviate daily hardships. This initiative is part of the DA’s broader anti-poverty program, which addresses the crippling high cost of living.
On Friday, 11 October 2024, I joined DA Deputy Chief Whip, Baxolile Nodada MP, Director-General of the Taipei Liaison Office, Lily Chen, and the Taiwanese delegation in presenting donations to the Ikhwezi Lokusa Rehabilitation and Development Society in Mthatha.
We then visited Ngobozana Village near Lusikisiki, where we met families who endured unimaginable loss after loved ones were killed in recent mass shootings in the area. We offered our support during their darkest hour, reaffirming our commitment.
[see pictures here and here]
On Saturday, 12 October 2024, we delivered donations in East London, to be shared among seven local NPOs.
[see pictures here and here]
We are deeply grateful for Taiwan’s generous donations, which are crucial for ensuring food security, alleviating poverty, and creating opportunities for all. These contributions provide immediate relief for families in dire circumstances – a vital lifeline for households confronting hunger.
The DA will never stop fighting to rescue the Eastern Cape from the spiralling crises of hunger, poverty, and the escalating cost of living.
Regards
Yusuf Cassim MPL
DA EC Provincial Chairperson
Street Jolly
The wonder of a man with a running stomach is that he knows the direction of the door without anybody’s guidance.
Kamikaze Granny
Israel: You have two cows. You expand their farmland every year.