Meet the new architects of freedom
Just last month, South Africans celebrated the country’s first democratic elections in the comfort of their homes due to Covid-19’s lockdown rules. The first democratic...
Category : Opinion
AECI riding the COVID-19 curve of needs
South Africa has been applauded by the World Health Organization for managing to control the spread of the coronavirus far more successfully than developed countries to date. Since the announcement of the first COVID-19 case the government has worked tirelessly to ensure that we are protected, that the spread is carefully monitored and that tough decisions are made to protect the nation. The toughest action has been the nationwide lockdown, which has deeply challenged businesses and communities, but was necessary to avoid an uncontrollable spread of the virus. Social media has been full of praise for our government but there are a lot of questions around what the private sector is doing at this time. It has certainly been inspiring following the daily announcements from companies, but there have been certain standout organisations that have already moved far beyond announcements, working together with government and focusing efforts on vulnerable communities, in ensuring that SA doesn’t suffer the same fate as countries such as China, Italy and the USA. One such company is AECI, who may not be known to households but were amongst the very first to mobilise a rapid response plan with the mission to help the most vulnerable communities in the country, from whom they have absolutely nothing to gain, and have also not asked for any recognition. Over the lockdown period, most organizations have been using the time to align on their plans. However, AECI have already implemented their first round, measured the impact and identified even more areas for investment. The company has also identified that the needs of vulnerable communities are changing as government response changes, and is also planning to” Ride the COVID-19 curve” by responding to these changing needs of communities as the impact of the virus evolves. In less than 30 days, and in the midst of the lockdown, the company has already helped improve the circumstances of over 5 million South Africans by: ●Targeting child-headed households and orphanages by donating water resources, bars of soap, sanitisers and masks for household use. ● Sponsoring a mass behavior change and educational handwashing programme to the value of R1,73 million. Intelligently strategised, the programme ensures education, access to water, access to soaps and handwashing stations in the most vulnerable communities. Twenty sites in the COVID-19 hotspots were identified and rolled out. ●Supporting government clinics and hospitals – The company early on identified that clinics and hospitals could become super-spreading sites if not well–resourced and managed. Patients coming to government clinics are already more likely to die of COVID-19 due to pre-existing conditions like diabetes, respiratory illnesses, cancer and non-communicable diseases. But the clinic environment itself is spacially challenged not allowing for social distancing. ●To help, AECI have donated uniquely designed and locally manufactured handwashing stations. These stations contain education and sensitization for patients before entering the sites. Sponsored healthworkers assist in maintaining social distancing and ensuring every patient wash their hands before entering the clinic and learns the correct methods to prevent the spread of the virus. ●These interventions will not only help patients but are critical in protecting our frontline. The wellbeing of our health practitioners must be prioritized due to the level of exposure they have. ...
Uber & Nissa support domestic violence survivors in SA.
As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our communities, stay-at-home orders have created unintended challenges for some of the most vulnerable among us, including...
Black death and mourning in the time of Covid-19
By Prof Hugo kaCanham Black bodies have been the sight of devastation for centuries. We who inhabit and love these bodies live in a state...
Cape Town resident battles city official in bid to educate the public
A Cape Town city resident who is believed to have invested millions in a city-wide COVID-19 public awareness drive says he is being pressured by the City’s Environmental Control Department to end the campaign at...
Influencer campaign aims to inspire and give hope to citizens in SA
By Katie Mohamed – Brandfusion. South Africans are currently living in unprecedented times as the corona virus pandemic deepens and more regulations are put in place, the impact on our lives can be troubling and confusing. Already there are challenges with communities and economies everywhere affected by the growing COVID-19 pandemic. In the spirit of Ubuntu Brand South Africa has been encouraging South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing, because we are a nation that cares deeply for one another and the environment we live in. The influencer campaign that included broadcasters, activists, celebrities, sports and entrepreneurs, is an effort to be the voices of change and inspire and give hope to citizens of the country. We are a resilient and courageous nation and are stronger together. As Brand South Africa we have been at the forefront of driving the message that Covid-19 requires all of us to Play Our Part to manage the spread of the virus. South Africans continue to respond positively to the call. We salute you. Play Your Part is a nationwide movement created to inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship in South Africa. Its objective is to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring all South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing – because a nation of people who care deeply for one another and the environment in which they live is good for everyone. The campaign is driven by Brand South Africa. Play Your Part is aimed at all South Africans – from corporates to individuals, NGOs to government, churches to schools, young to not so young. It aims to encourage South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills or goods to contribute to a better future for all. For more information on how you can play your part click here #GetInvolved #PlayYourPart ...
We must commit to active citizenship in a time of crisis
By Luvuyo Madasa, Executive Director at ReimagineSA As the country continues its efforts to flatten the curve of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the varying experiences...
COVID-19 has exposed the fragility of our economies
By Guy Ryder, Director-General, International Labour Organization The human dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic reach far beyond the critical health response. All aspects of our...
“Last week we did the right thing” – Havas CEO shares 9 personal working from home tips for your businesses
“Like many other companies across the globe, last week we took the decision to close our office. Within 24 hours probably 75% of our staff were operating from home and within 5 days we reached 100%. “says Havas CEO , Lynn Madeley. “If you had told me that we were going to do that within 5 days, 5 days ago I would have told you it was impossible. Well it wasn’t, and what this coronavirus teaches you is that if there is one common big goal, we will achieve what we need to achieve.” “However, this is not about ‘How to close your office’. This is about my observations about working from home in these very strange times. It’s my hints and tips if you like, a little List–atorial (that’s not another new disease – it’s numbered headlines with copy attached, to make it easier to read). ” she adds. So here goes: 1. A video call is worth about 1000 emails and 100 whatsapps A Zoom call or Microsoft Teams or Skype Meeting (the platform doesn’t matter) is MUCH more effective than an email, a whats app or even a phone call. The reason is that via video we pick up on the body language of each. Communication is about more than a mail with ten bullet points. It needs visual and facial interaction. 2.We need to check in with people on a regular basis checking in with people is really important. We need human contact. Ask people how ‘they’ are, not how work is, because right now no-one is okay and we all need to stick together emotionally. Having more, but shorter, check-ins is the way to go , rather than an hour long meeting once a week, a 15 minute daily chat is probably better. ...
COVID-19 and your pets: What you need to know
South Africans are currently still grappling with the effects of week one of the National Lockdown, enforced to contain the local spread of the COVID-19...