Wednesday 18 March 2020
An urgent outreach programme has been launched to assist under-privileged and vulnerable communities following the Covid-19 outbreak.
NGO’s Operation SA, The Covid-19 Action Group and Laudium Disaster Management have joined forces to distribute sanitizers, soaps and masks to communities around Gauteng.
At the same time, the groups said in a statement on Wednesday that awareness was “critical.”
Operation SA’s Yusuf Abramjee said it was decided to launch the initiative “because we all have to work and rally together.
“We cannot only depend on Government and communities we must now all stand up, join forces and make a difference.”
He said a programme to distribute sanitizers will start this weekend in public places and informal settlements.
A number of medical professionals and health care workers have volunteered to assist.
Dr Hamza Bava said the possibility of doing free screening for the under-privileged who qualify and who have symptoms “was being looked at as a matter of urgency.” This will be in line with the testing criteria set out by the NCID.
Ibrahim Dockrat from Laudium Disaster Management appealed to communities and corporates to contribute.
“Let’s all work together in this crisis,” Dockrat said.
Yaseen Theba from Operation SA appealed to communities through Gauteng and the rest of the country to also mobilize.
Abramjee added that the time had arrived “for all of us to fight this pandemic. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to action needs to be heeded.”
“We also call on the public to adhere to the guidelines set out by government in terms of hygiene and social distancing.”
“It’s time for action. Let’s be proactive and not reactive. Let’s also not allow for panic and fear.”
Abramjee said the group will be working closely with Gauteng Premier, David Makhura and the Provincial Government as well as various stakeholders.
Catherine Constantindes, Social Activist, said the initiative need to be supported by all. “It’s time for action.”
To donate:
Bank: HBZ Laudium
Account Name: Laudium Disaster Management
Account number: 11901291245
Branch: 570145
Ref: Covid-19 / name and contact number.
ENQUIRIES:
Yusuf Abramjee cell 082 4414 203
Twitter: @abramjee