While millions of South Africans were gripped by the Soweto derby spectacle at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 29 October 2022, a total of 400 elderly and needy families benefitted from social relief packages by a team led by the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Service Department (EISD) in the City of Johannesburg.

MMC Michael Sun led the delivery of the Spring Relief project. “We are here to care for you. When times are good, we will laugh together. When times are bad, we hold each other’s hand and get through it,” Cllr Sun told the recipients.

MMC Sun was joined by the Chairperson of Gender, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Committee in the City, Cllr Nakita Delwaria, Cllr Chris Avant-Smith and community activists.

The Spring Relief project was sponsored by the Condere Group and supported by the Chinese Community Policing Forum.

“Governing isn’t only about delivering services and undoing years of mismanagement and corruption, but also about being a city that cares about its residents,” Cllr Sun said.

“It’s also about ensuring we care for the most vulnerable at all times, joining hands with all sectors of society to meet Johannesburg’s challenges.

“There is nothing wrong with South Africa that can’t be fixed by active citizenry constantly embodying the spirit if Ubuntu,” Cllr Sun said.

The needy families received grocery packs on the form of cooking oil, sugar and mielie meal, among other food items distributed and expressed their gratitude.

One of the recipients who looks after a child-headed family, said the donation was perfectly timed. “We’re still waiting to get grants, so these grocery items will push us through until the government pays out the grants. A big thank you to everyone who opened their hearts and wallets so that we could have something to eat for the next couple of days.”

31/10/2022