In the recent months, we have seen surge in infections of
the Novel Corona virus. Its rapid spread and wrath have spread across South
Africa causing major panic, affecting all sectors of the economy and livelihoods.
Within this journey to win the battle again COVID-19, we
have seen a lot of NGO’s taking part in trying their best to save lives.
Ones of the NGO’s at the forefront of this battle is the
South African Red Cross Society’s Johannesburg metro branch which is headed by Mr
Nathan Banda (Branch Manger) and his army of volunteers. These brave unsung heroes of our time have
been busy education people on ways of preventing the further spread of the
killer disease and also making sure that all safety measures are implemented in
some of the communities, namely: Diepsloot, Alexandra, Cosmo City, Tembisa,
Hillbrow, Newlands, Brixton and Downtown Johannesburg.
They have trained over 150 volunteers about the Novel Corona
virus, how to stay safe from it and how to manage suspicious cases and whom to
contact should there be suspicion that someone is infected. These warriors have
gone as far as distributing free sanitizers, masks and vinyl gloves to the
needy within informal settlements and also to the homeless. All this comes with a lot of information in
pamphlets and posters. Locals have also received a lot of information regarding
staying at home and implementation of Social Distancing though training and
also posters with steps to be followed.
Due to the scourge of this pandemic, many families have been
severely affected since then, no economic activities were happening, this meant
that people could not go to work and that has led to starvation and lack of
crucial necessities like toiletries and food. Again the Johannesburg Branch of
the South African Red Cross Society has been distributing food parcels and
toiletries to most affected communities and families.
On the 4th of May 2020, we spoke to Mr Duncan
Netshituka who is currently handling Fundraising and Resources Mobilization for
the Johannesburg branch and he confirmed to us that they have serious challenges
and those challenges are as follows:
Lack of transport of volunteers, Lack of funds to print more educational
materials, lack of funds to buy more sanitizers and masks that are to be given
to the vulnerable, lack of money to buy more food that is dearly needed by the
affected.
Mr Duncan Netshituka has advised that if anyone one wants to
join this battle or help in any way, they must call him or Mr Nathan Banda on
the following details: Duncan Netshituka- +27 614901509
Nathan Banda: +27 823533738
Many people have been affected by this pandemic and it is
important that we all follow the rules and stay safe.
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