South Africa and the COVID-19 update
I hope this message finds you well and you are taking advantage of this gorgeous weather. We ask you to stay safe and follow all Health Official advice.
As the country faces its first lockdown in history, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we see South Africans unite as never before.
Banks are permitting payment holidays to business owners and students, companies are donating funds to fight the virus and initiatives have been launched to help businesses survive COVID-19. We have decided to share a few of the great initiatives making things a bit easier for business owners and individuals in these uncertain times.
Ubuntu Beds:
Ubuntu Beds is an initiative aiming to unite hospitality businesses that now stand empty with healthcare workers who are tirelessly fighting the virus on the front lines. Ubuntu Beds aims to offer a haven to healthcare workers, who are exhausted and unable to return home for fear of infecting their families, these beds are offered in hostels, hotels, BnB’s and guest-houses across the county.
Curro Schools printing 3D medical supplies:
Curro Holdings stepped up to assist several healthcare organisations in South Africa by offering the services of their 3D Printers, as well as their staff, to aid in the printing of protective face shields for medical workers currently fighting against COVID-19 in South Africa.
Shoprite ‘appreciation’ bonus:
Shoprite will be paying R102 million in bonuses to the frontline shop floor and distribution employees for continuing their work during the COVID-19 outbreak.
COBRA (COVID Business Rescue Assistance) War Room is a pro bono service helping South African businesses in distress to co-ordinate bank, government and stakeholder support through a structured business rescue process.
SAB (South African Breweries) assists with hand sanitiser production in SA:
With the demand for alcohol-based hand sanitiser sky rocketing during the COVID-19 outbreak, SAB started the production of hand sanitizer that contains 80% alcohol, which is exactly what the healthcare sector requires.
Naspers facilities to be used for healthcare services:
Naspers will be making available some of its facilities to be used for public health services in vulnerable communities, to assist the government’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 crisis.
Though we find ourselves in uncertain times we know that working together will make us come out stronger as a country.
Even though we do we face uncertain times and we do not know what life will be like after the lockdown, one thing we know is that we are stronger when we work together to make South Africa a better place for all.
Sources:
Goodthingsguy – https://www.goodthingsguy.com/
Fin24 – https://www.fin24.com/
Other News:
https://en.as.com/en/2020/07/27/latest_news/1595827666_009005.html
Emulate Mandela, urges Parliament
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Parliament has called on citizens to emulate President Nelson Mandela’s values and principles.
“Madiba’s revolutionary life has taught us that, with resilience, courage and determination, we can overcome even the most challenging battles,” said Parliament in a statement on Saturday.
Sisters with guitars
Award-winning Singers/Songwriters Zahara, Berita and Msaki are performing at the Sisters with Guitars concert at Emperors Palace on Saturday 15th February 2020.
The first of its kind, the concert promises music lovers a good time, an exceptional experience with this incredible line-up, celebrating women in music.
Saturday, 15 February 2020 at 18:00 – 21:00.
Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Elsburg Road, Brakpan, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Tickets are R220 – R300 per person, get yours here
For more information, click here.
Today, we remember Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Winnie Madikizela Mandela dedicated her life to the struggle for Social Justice. She kept her then-husband, President Nelson Mandela in the public eye until he became the first President of a free South Africa.
She served the people of South Africa with unwavering tenacity. Her extraordinary difficult life has to be recognized especially as no other person could have been put through what she suffered and remain steadfast and focussed on effecting a change for the greater good of many.
Lala Kahle Mother of the Nation
Today, we remember Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Died: 2018, April 18
VSAFF Postpone
Dear Friend of the Vancouver South African Film Festival,
This is to inform you that, sadly, we have decided to postpone VSAFF.
It will not take place as scheduled on March 27 – 29.
You are no doubt aware that the public health situation with respect to COVID-19 has become increasingly acute. The Health Minister and the Provincial Officer of Health have directed that events with more than 250 participants not take place. We support that decision though we, like many of you, are very disappointed – especially as this was to be our 10th Annual Festival. We will monitor the health situation carefully and will re-schedule VSAFF at the appropriate time. We’ll be in touch with you to let you know the details as soon as we can.
If you have already purchased tickets for the Festival you can choose one of the following by emailing us at info@vsaff.org :
1. Cancel your tickets and we’ll refund the full cost.
2. Keep your tickets and use them when the Festival is rescheduled.
3. Make the cost of your tickets a donation to Education without Borders – where all proceeds of VSAFF are directed each year. We’ll send you a tax receipt if your ticket cost was over $20.
Our program this year was really terrific and we can’t wait for the opportunity to screen these outstanding films for you.
Hopefully, that will be soon!
Thanks for your continued support.
The VSAFF Committee
Life Is Wonderful
Life is Wonderful features the surviving defendants and lawyers of the Rivonia Trial.
Denis Goldberg stood trial in the Rivonia trial with Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Walter Sisulu and others.
