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MEC makes needy family happy

RELIEVED: Ngema family members pose after receiving gifts from the Mpumalanga government yesterday. PHOTO: MASOKA DUBE. 10/06/2010. © Sowetan.
RELIEVED: Ngema family members pose after receiving gifts from the Mpumalanga government yesterday. PHOTO: MASOKA DUBE. 10/06/2010. © Sowetan.

MPUMALANGA'S health and social development department has donated food parcels, beds, blankets, school uniforms and a fridge to a needy family in Piet Retief.

The department's officials visited the Ngema family on Tuesday in order to donate the goods worth R19000.

Jabulile Ngema, 60, said she was struggling to feed her 11 children and eight grandchildren since she does not have an ID book.

"Sometimes we used to spend four days without food," Ngema said.

"My older children are unemployed and I am also not receiving any income."

The Ngema family was identified as needy by Premier David Mabuza during a visit to the area earlier this year.

MEC Dikeledi Mahlangu said Mkhondo municipality was one of those identified as poverty-stricken and requiring a concerted effort by all government departments.

"Our department has prioritised war on poverty and the safe upkeep of children," Mahlangu said.

"We want to ensure that all our people enjoy the freedom that they fought for by accessing all government services."

Mahlangu also visited a number of early childhood development centres in the area, where she donated equipment and toys.

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