On 21st April, the government made an announcement that would provide social relief to millions of South Africans facing in distress as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. The Department of Social Development was tasked with not only the administering the existing grant system. It also had to facilitate the distribution of food parcels and pay careful attention to shelters, nutrition programs and other community-based initiatives.

Whilst there have been many challenges in grant increase and equitable distribution of food parcels, provincial governments are stepping up to identify and implement interventions that best suit the needs of their people during these trying times.

Guest:Mamkiti Qabethe - MEC: Social Development, Free State