BBC captures forum’s community efforts
Food was distributed by the UBF's dedicated team to residents of Dalton Hostel.
WITH unemployment now close to 100 per cent at Dalton Hostel, limited access to ablutions and clean water, overcrowding with numbers close to the 3 000 mark and a growing number of little children exposed to an unsanitary and dangerous environment, the Umbilo Business Forum (UBF) has continued its work in this community during lockdown.
UBF chairman, Sikho Msomi, described the situation as “overwhelmingly appalling.” ” Our initial intervention as a response to the president’s call was what was aired on the SABC News and published in the Berea Mail. We further made it known to the municipality that the UBF was willing to make available some buildings for the purpose of isolation centres and makeshift hospitals, should the need arise. We also offered the provision of certified PPE equipment at cost. Our offers never received a response.”
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Nevertheless, the UBF hasn’t stopped working. Msomi said after establishing a Solidarity Response Fund last week for assisting the marginalised Dalton community, R200 000 in cash and kind has been donated so far. He said donations into this fund will be used for food first and medical supplies second. The entire sum will be committed to saving lives and ultimately keeping Umbilo safe for future business.
Last week, food was distributed by the UBF’s dedicated team with the hope that this food support effort leads to a better restart of the Umbilo economy once Covid-19 is controlled. A news crew from global media house, BBC was there to capture the work as it happened. “The drive continues with 60kg fresh vegetable and staple packs, each enough for four adult individuals for 14 days, will be distributed three times a week to the 3 000 residents of Dalton Hostel and Beerhall. Because of the risky nature of the work at the moment health wise, and keeping to the lockdown prescriptive orders, physical contact and movement is not encouraged so we’re trying our best to make sure our efforts are informed, responsive and effective,” said Msomi.
