LIMPOPO premier Cassel Mathale has used the provincial Human Rights Day celebrations at Rabali Stadium in Nzhelele, outside Thohoyandou, to distribute food parcels to the poor.

Mathale was accompanied by several MECs, ANC veterans, local traditional leader Toni Mphephu, Vhembe district municipality executive mayor Falaza Mdaka and ANC provincial secretary Joe Maswanganyi.

MEC for sports, arts and culture Joyce Mashamba said: "The premier has walked the talk and we are calling on all public servants who are responsible for food distribution to work diligently in serving our people since the premier has shown the way."

Mathale said his government was prepared to solve people's problems with the provision of services.

"When we are supposed to build schools, we must build good schools for our people."

Mathale said that 50 years ago the challenges of the people revolved mainly around the Verwoerdian policies of apartheid.

"Now, into democracy, the challenges are different. People cannot be free if they are hungry, when they have no jobs and if they have no basic services like water.

"The provision of basic services to the people forms part of human rights.

"The Constitution provides that everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services, adequate housing, sufficient food, water and social security.

"We will further our work of ensuring that the people of Limpopo are provided with basic necessities," Mathale said.