Seed packs to help poor families grow and produce their own food to ward off crippling food prices are being unlawfully sold for cash, the KwaZulu-Natal agriculture department said on Monday.
"Two old ladies reported to us on Saturday that there are individuals who demand money from beneficiaries of the food security campaign.
"This initiative was meant for the poor public... not a few greedy criminals who want to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor people," spokesperson Khulekani Ntshangase said in a statement.
The department introduced the R40-million project late last year following the constant rise of food prices. Local municipalities, tribal leaders and faith-based organisations were roped in to identify vulnerable residents. They were to be provided with seeds and farming equipment. Instead of handing the goods out for free, individuals tasked with doing so were asking for payment. Ntshangase said those involved had yet to be identified.
"The department is working to isolate those individuals who are involved in this money extortion scheme. We will approach the police and request them to give this matter urgent attention," he said.
He urged members of the public to report the wrongdoers to the department and the police.
"Our fight against poverty will not be derailed by criminals. We will expose them and give them a one-way ticket to jail," he said.
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