Covid-19: Solidarity Fund outlines successes so far

The Solidarity Foundation hosted a virtual press briefing on 15 May to outline some of the work the fund has done over the past six weeks.

Gloria Serobe, chairperson of the board said that many South Africans still do not have access to health care and testing for the coronavirus and as such, they are working with Transnet to expand testing to more rural areas.

Working with Transnet and National Health Laboratory Service, the Solidarity Fund has converted two trains to take Covid-19 testing and screening to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. They have also funded 400 000 Covid-19 testing kits.

“This is made possible thanks to our generous donors. The fund is independent of government and the board’s mission is to ensure all funds are used effectively and responsibly. ”

The Solidarity Foundation hosted a virtual press briefing on 15 May to outline some of the work the fund has done over the past six weeks.

Gloria Serobe, chairperson of the board said that many South Africans still do not have access to health care and testing for the coronavirus and as such, they are working with Transnet to expand testing to more rural areas.

Working with Transnet and National Health Laboratory Service, the Solidarity Fund has converted two trains to take Covid-19 testing and screening to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. They have also funded 400 000 Covid-19 testing kits.

“This is made possible thanks to our generous donors. The fund is independent of government and the board’s mission is to ensure all funds are used effectively and responsibly. ”

She added that the feedback shows that it is the fostering of relationships between communities and organisations that enable distribution to happen effectively. “Having reached this milestone we will be looking at more sustainable support such as food vouchers.”

Nicola Galombik, the executive director of investment firm Yellowoods, who has been assisting with the fund’s humanitarian efforts, said that they will be experimenting with different models of food vouchers such as vouchers that can be redeemed locally at spaza shops as well as vouchers that can be used at large supermarket chains. The aim is to ensure they are accessible to different communities. The vouchers will be R400 and will take their overall distribution number closer to 350 000 families.

Of the beneficiaries that have received food parcels, 58 000 were identified by the Department of Social Development and the rest were identified by different organisations working within communities.

Nqweni concluded, “It’s important to note that behind every stat is a real person. Food support has created a lifeline, thanks to the support of a stranger they might never meet… this generosity matters to these families and we would like to say thank you.

“Behind every mask is a parent, brother or sister putting their life on the line. Donors can take comfort in knowing that their contribution has helped bolster this first line of defence… As our country faces one of its toughest challenges we celebrate a beacon of hope where South Africans have come together to help fight a common enemy.”

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