Orphans struggle to survive as retailers hike prices
Some retailers designated to assist orphans in Francistown are said to be hiking food prices to take advantage of the orphans' social grants.
The Block 1 Village Development Committee (VDC) has observed that food prices in such retailers are extremely high, thereby further economically crippling social grant beneficiaries that use SmartSwitch electronic food coupons.
A VDC member Zenzile Chifani revealed that the number of orphans in Francistown has escalated drastically due to Covid-19. Chifani said that some supermarkets are aware of this unfortunate situation but are taking advantage of it to maximise profit.
According to her, government should consider using well-known chain stores that provide reasonable prices and a variety of food, as opposed to smaller local retailers.
“Rising food costs at supermarkets push the most vulnerable households into poverty and weaken their ability to access adequate food. Guardians of orphans resort to buying cheaper brands as in the case of some maize meal brand renowned as poultry feed,” the VDC member said.
Chifani said an orphan is credited with P550 and P1100 if the household has two orphans. In the concerned local outlets, P550 only buys 12.5kg maize meal at a cost of around P100, 10kg rice at around P94.95 and cooking oil at around P117.95 and toiletries with the remaining amount.
She said that many households consume meat once or twice a week. Chifani’s wish is that government could protect orphans from exploitation by providing a variety of retail stores where beneficiaries can have a choice.
She added that supermarkets would continue to hike prices because they are aware that they are the only stores that provide food aid to orphans.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Neo Solly (32) a guardian of two orphans said they buy groceries worth P800 monthly, which only lasts for three weeks.
She has also observed that every time the money is credited into their Smart Switch cards there is always a massive price change. Solly is often forced to compromise the quantity and quality of the food because of the extreme prices.
“Very often meat is not in good condition. We get bones, and sometimes it is slightly spoilt while in the shop. Most supermarkets depend on orphan food vouchers for profit and growth as most people in Block 1 do not buy from them but prefer big retail chain stores despite the distance,” Solly said.
She believes that if they were given more liberty to buy from chain stores, the P1100 could get them better and more groceries. It would also give them dignity.
Solly works for Ipelegeng to help take care of the family.
The owner of Chedu Choga Supermarket in Block 1, Ludo Vuke disputes the allegations that their price margins have been hiked to take advantage of orphans. Vuke insisted that their prices are standard.
She also dismissed allegations that they sell stale and spoilt foods to their customers. “All of our prices stand alone and are genuine. Our shop only sells White Star maize meal which is of high quality,” she said.
Block 1 VDC member, Chifani said while the state assists orphans, families should also have a sense of responsibility towards orphans even when resources are limited. She however noted that poverty, lack of power connection and unemployment continue to remain a challenge among many households in the area.