The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world over, and while the world waits for schools and offices to reopen, there are some who continue to do their work behind closed doors. These individuals are touching lives in the very same way they did on a regular, daily basis, prior to lockdown in South Africa. Let us look to these women in this difficult time, as a source of inspiration and motivation. If they can stay home and make a difference, we can too.
The Mamas of Clover Mama Afrika are used to working under pressure and being solution-oriented, they do after all, work in disadvantaged areas helping the needy already. Clover Mama Afrika, Clover’s corporate sustainability initiative, aims to further empower women who are already doing good in communities across the nation with various vital skills such as cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, business management and food gardening.
“We live by the ethos “Ukwakha Isizwe”, which means “building and nurturing our nation”, and while lockdown may have closed our Mamas in their homes and centres, it hasn’t stopped them from doing what they do best. And due to the skills we’ve taught them, they are able to keep themselves and those in their care busy during this difficult time,” says Prof Elain Vlok, Clover Manager, Clover Mama Afrika Trust.The Mamas have remained very busy since lockdown was announced; below is an update from some of the Mamas, including images they’ve shared via WhatsApp as they continue to motivate and inspire each other:
Mama Phumla Goje of Dibashe Special Centre in Mdantsane
Mama Phumla forms part of the ECD Forum and helps to provide food parcels to the families identified and listed to receive parcels. Currently Mama Phumla has a list of 26 families in the Potsdam Location and assists them on a daily basis. “I have received a Working Permit to help these families and the list is growing daily. I will do my part during this time of need,” she says with commitment.
