When the first case of COVID-19 in South Africa became known on March 5, 2020, the government reacted immediately and decided on a total lockdown.
On March 15, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the state of the disaster. Already on March 23, Ramaphosa imposed a strict lock down that had to be observed from March 26. The curfew is one of the world’s strictest measures against the spread of the novel Corona Virus. Leaving the house is only permitted for purchases of important foods, medicines and visits to the doctor. Walks and outdoor sports activities are not permitted. Even the dog cannot be walked.
In the places where the wealthier part of the population lives, hygiene and distance regulations are well implemented. However, this is hardly possible in the township with a high population density, the cramped living conditions in the corrugated iron huts and the rudimentary sanitary facilities. There is also the highest risk of extreme spread of the virus.
Due to the lock down, the already high level of unemployment has increased drastically, as the modest earning opportunities of day laborers have disappeared from one day to the next. In addition to the fear of the virus, the problem of feeding the families and providing them with the most important things comes to the fore.
Hiltraud Elsing, who leads the projects of the Förderverein Khayelitsha on site, quickly received the calls for help from the supervisors from the facilities that the Förderverein had built. She informed the board of the Förderverein in Haltern am See, for whom it quickly became clear that help was needed.
What good are beautiful new houses if they cannot be filled with life afterwards because there are not only corona deaths, but the famine causes many more people to despair and die. Basic groceries such as corn flour, rice, beans, lentils, etc. were quickly ordered in the local shop and over 600 food packages were packed in a week and passed on to the needy. In addition, after a few days, the soup kitchens in the Nobantu and Khumbulani centers built by the Förderverein could be reopened with the permission of the police to counter hunger. Around 500 people are provided with a warm meal, which the vegetable garden we support also contributes. So we were able to help again in Khayelitsha with donations and alleviate the concerns of the residents of the township a little. At the beginning of May the lock down was loosened somewhat. However, there is still a far-reaching curfew and there is still no way for the day-laborers from Khayelitsha to earn money. There are neither short-time workers nor unemployment benefits.
With our help, we want to counter hunger and look forward to any further financial help. If you want to support us, please pay your donation to the account: DE85 4265 1315 0007 0009 04 at Stadtsparkasse Haltern am See or DE82 4016 4528 0187 451900 at Volksbank Südmünsterland-Mitte eG keyword „Corona Help“.
We assure you that this money will only be used to avert hunger in Khayelitsha.