However, it has become increasingly apparent that the pandemic is not only a health issue. It has, and continues to have, a huge impact on the economy and on peoples’ livelihoods. Significant as the government’s mitigation measures have been, realistically, they cannot cover every eventuality nor reach every citizen in need of assistance.
The pandemic and accompanying lockdown restrictions have had dire consequences on large and small-scale economic activity, resulting in job losses and the loss of livelihoods. This exacerbates the country’s prevailing triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
Presently, hunger and food security in communities have emerged as critical challenges. Despite Government’s interventions through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and other government agencies and NGOs, poor communities are suffering untold hardship.
Nelson Mandela University, as an engaged institution, anchored in its resolve towards social justice, is establishing a Convergence Fund to directly assist vulnerable communities affected by Cod-19 and its impact. You are invited to make monetary donations to the fund, which will provide direct assistance to poor and vulnerable people in our immediate community.
Given the socio-economic challenges in our region and the immediate need for resources to aid the fight against COVID-19, we are of the view that a financial contribution in this manner would be best.
Money raised through the Fund will be used to address hunger and social deprivation amongst the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities, townships and informal settlements.
I therefore appeal to you to support and donate what you can towards the Fund. Your contribution will go a long way in positively impacting the lives of others and will be etched in our collective memory as our ongoing efforts to change the world.
The Fund is being managed through the Nelson Mandela University Trust, which is independently audited. Trustees will ensure that there is accountability and transparency in the management of the Fund. As a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), the Trust can issue Section 18A tax certificates for qualifying donations.
I will lead by example with an initial donation and sincerely hope you will follow suit through the various options available on the Convergence Fund webpage.
We hope to unlock our collective agency as the Mandela University community in an effort to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our disenfranchised neighbours.
Yours in faithful service
Prof Sibongile Muthwa
Vice-Chancellor: Nelson Mandela University