Covid-19: Solidarity Fund outlines successes so far

The Solidarity Foundation hosted a virtual press briefing on 15 May to outline some of the work the fund has done over the past six weeks.

Gloria Serobe, chairperson of the board said that many South Africans still do not have access to health care and testing for the coronavirus and as such, they are working with Transnet to expand testing to more rural areas.

Working with Transnet and National Health Laboratory Service, the Solidarity Fund has converted two trains to take Covid-19 testing and screening to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. They have also funded 400 000 Covid-19 testing kits.

“This is made possible thanks to our generous donors. The fund is independent of government and the board’s mission is to ensure all funds are used effectively and responsibly. ”

“The real fight is ahead of us. We must prepare ourselves for one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history.”

Nomkhita Nqweni, the interim CEO, explained that the briefing is a part of the fund’s commitment to ensure transparency. “We will continue to uphold this principle of continuous feedback.”

In the six weeks since the fund was established, they have established an institution with a number of networks. The fund is now a fully-fledged operation, has a board that meets weekly and works with fund administrators and internal and external auditors. There are 91 full-time volunteer staff to assist and all people are working on a pro-bono basis.

To date, the fund has raised R2.7 billion with R2.16 billion already received. Over 175 000 individuals and 1 500 businesses and organisations have contributed. Those who have sacrificed a portion of their salaries have donated R22 million. The fund has dispersed R1.2 billion to date.

“We are able to demonstrate rigour and professionalism in how the fund is being distributed.”

When the solidarity fund formed in late March, SA faced a critical shortage in personal protective equipment. “We saw in other countries how health care workers in other countries paid a heavy price so we galvanised our efforts. Before lockdown, 92 per cent of all equipment was internationally procured. There was hardly any PPE available and within seven days the fund had secured R100 mill for PPEs.”

Within a month, they had approved R905 million toward procurement of PPE. “The PPE consignments arrived in phases and as they arrive, they’re distributed to provinces or hospitals and clinics.” About 55 million items have been ordered and about 35 million items such as masks and gowns, shields and ventilators have already been distributed.

There were challenges. Every country is working to get PPE and there is limited stock. The price, quality and ease of delivery were a priority. “There was not enough local manufacturing capacity and it is pleasing to see this increase.”

The fund has approved R11.3 million for prototypes of non-invasive ventilators. The project aims to manufacture 10 000 of these ventilators by July. This will coincide with the expected peak of cases.

The National Health Laboratory Services will receive R250 million to double the order of testing kits.

With the time and resources available, the fund has played a role in helping the Department of Health prepare for a surge and prevent the spread. “We have built a network of relationships to partner for sustainable humanitarian efforts. The aim was to provide food support to 250 000 vulnerable families. The fund has met this and went further. The fund has supported 300 000 families without exceeding the R120 million budget.”

She added that the feedback shows that it is the fostering of relationships between communities and organisations that enable distribution to happen effectively. “Having reached this milestone we will be looking at more sustainable support such as food vouchers.”

Nicola Galombik, the executive director of investment firm Yellowoods, who has been assisting with the fund’s humanitarian efforts, said that they will be experimenting with different models of food vouchers such as vouchers that can be redeemed locally at spaza shops as well as vouchers that can be used at large supermarket chains. The aim is to ensure they are accessible to different communities. The vouchers will be R400 and will take their overall distribution number closer to 350 000 families.

Of the beneficiaries that have received food parcels, 58 000 were identified by the Department of Social Development and the rest were identified by different organisations working within communities.

Nqweni concluded, “It’s important to note that behind every stat is a real person. Food support has created a lifeline, thanks to the support of a stranger they might never meet… this generosity matters to these families and we would like to say thank you.

“Behind every mask is a parent, brother or sister putting their life on the line. Donors can take comfort in knowing that their contribution has helped bolster this first line of defence… As our country faces one of its toughest challenges we celebrate a beacon of hope where South Africans have come together to help fight a common enemy.”

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