From the Editor: Herald available for free during lockdown
To make sure all residents have access to information, as of next week (2 April), the Herald will be distributed, free of charge, at key points to be announced.
With the looming national lockdown that will come into effect at midnight tonight, many businesses and individuals in the country will be severely affected.
Potchefstroomers are obviously not being spared.
During this time, the Herald will endeavour to keep the community updated with all the relevant information and news from the community. As a primary source of information for a large part of the local community, we will try and verify all the information regarding the Covid-19 virus. We pledge to spread facts and not fear.
As part of the responsibility we have towards the community, the newspaper will still be published every week. To make sure all residents have access to information, as of next week (2 April), the Herald will be distributed, free of charge, at key points to be announced. We have not missed an edition in 112 years and, despite these trying times, we are not about to start now.
Already, many businesses have been trying to ensure that they have insurance for this kind of situation. Many are finding creative ways of at least making ends meet during the lockdown. The reality is that many will have to rely on government and the unemployment fund to help their employees at this time. It is striking that most businesses the Herald has spoken to are working hard to minimise the effects of the lockdown, not only on their operations but also on their employees. Crista Galli and Mystic Boer are making up food parcels for their employees who won’t be able to earn an income during the lockdown. Rooshoek Gastehuis has paid their employees earlier to enable them to buy what is needed.
Even the residents of Potchefstroom are joining hands to try and help those who will be worst affected. In Promosa, a drop-off point has been set up for community members to drop food parcels for the poorest within the community. CB Security has offered to assist the elderly who might need groceries or medication during this time and don’t have any other means of transport.
