UKZN’s glimpse at lockdown in informal settlements

VULNERABLE communities are a key concern as the nation heads into the sixth week of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Researching the impact of lockdown on women in informal communities is Professor Nirmala Gopal, acting dean and head of school for Applied Human Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her focus is on how women in vulnerable communities are unequally affected by the virus emotionally, financially and socially.

“I don’t believe there is any individual young or old who is not affected by the pandemic. Of course communities of people are affected differently,” said Gopal.

A key concern that arises from her research is that of social distancing in cramped informal settlements.

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“My dialogue during this period is predicated on these womens’ vulnerabilities such as the inability to adhere to social distancing where the square metres of their physical space is not conducive to this. In addition they are responsible for their children practising social distancing in a space where ablution facilities are communal. They have additional burdens of providing food, water and access to digital learning,” said Gopal.

Addressing these challenges is a task that falls on the broader community, she said.

“My deep question is how can we as society and as women with our own children assist these women to reduce some of their burdens. This is my challenge to the national community of women and mothers. This is a favourable time for South African’s to demonstrate a sense of community. We need each other as the virus will not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or geographic location,” added Gopal.

Assistance in the form of food and financial support is key in the face of financial instability and a lack of job security.

Also read: UKZN release findings on Covid-19 outbreak at St Augustine’s

“Research demonstrates that a large majority of these women are employed in the grey economy ? where access to work and wages has been curtailed owing to the national lockdown. We understand the need for the lockdown but who cares for these vulnerable groups? These women are already legally excluded from participation in South Africa’s democracy as they are regarded often times as illegal. They face further social exclusion either by design or default,” she said.

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