‘I never had to beg for food before’: in the queues of desperation

04 May 2020 - 05:59
By Alex Patrick
Pensioner Sisani Ncancema, 72, makes about R9 a day recycling plastic, to supplement her old-age pension. Because of the lockdown she has been unable to do this, and now also relies on food parcels to survive.
Image: Alaister Russell Pensioner Sisani Ncancema, 72, makes about R9 a day recycling plastic, to supplement her old-age pension. Because of the lockdown she has been unable to do this, and now also relies on food parcels to survive.

About 50,000 workers in Joburg join millions who live off food parcels. But it’s not just the poor who are queuing.