Extension of the lockdown

We just learned here in South Africa that the lockdown due to Corona will be extended until the end of April. Only 21 days, now 35 days! 35 days of insecurity and despair, alone or at best with the family in a small corrugated iron hut, no work, no food, no community … This is everyday life in Imizamo Yethu for 35 days.

Immediately after the President’s speech, I received a lot of WhatsApp messages: how to go on, no money this month! The children are not at school, how am I supposed to keep them in the house for so long ………

Fortunately, we had already ordered food packages through YEBO Fresh last week. Home Heroes (local taxi company) does the transportation to the families. The problem is that there is at least 1 week between ordering and delivery.

I have several appointments at the supermarket for tomorrow. There I meet families who cannot wait that long. I buy food vouchers at the supermarket and hand them over. This is also the opportunity to exchange a few supportive and encouraging words.

I will test a third option again tomorrow: I will send food vouchers to families in need via sms. With this sms you can shop. I tried sending one to myself today, but the system was down. So tomorrow I will try again. If it doesn’t work, the alternative is handing over the Food Vouchers personally: definitely more personal!