THE villagers of Kgomo-Kgomo in Moretele, North West are delighted.
They said they are happy about the changes the poverty alleviation project will bring to their village.
The villagers said the project, launched by the Department of Social Development and the Chinese government, will help end poverty and improve the economic cycle in rural areas like theirs.
"Like any other village, Kgomo-Kgomo struggles with a high unemployment rate, poor sanitation, inadequate transport and a lack of infrastructure," the villagers said.
On Wednesday, 20 December, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu visited the area together with the Chinese Ambassador Chen Xiaodong to fulfil the promise they made to the villagers in April 2023, namely the distribution of food parcels.
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Speaking to Daily Sun, madala Enos Habedi (79) said they're struggling a lot as many pensioners have grandchildren who depend on them to survive. Enos said that in most cases, his pension is not enough to meet all the needs in his household.
Another resident, gogo Hilda Lehobye (76), said her family will have something to eat this festive season.
"We are struggling a lot in our neighbourhood because most of our family members depend on us to survive. Our children are not working, we have no water and sanitation and I hope they'll come back next time for a different cause. We want our village to change for the better," Hilda said.
Minister Zulu said that during the assessment in April, many factors were in favour of the village benefiting from the poverty alleviation project.
"The living conditions and wellbeing of poor and vulnerable women, children and people living with disabilities, as well as unemployment, are challenges that prevent communities from engaging themselves to accelerate rural development. What we have brought here today is just the beginning of great things to come," Zulu said.
"As former Ppesident Nelson Mandela said, poverty is not natural. It's man-made and can be overcome and eradicated through people's action," he said.
