Solidarity Fund CEO: What an extended lock-down means for the fund

As South Africa continues to grapple with the rapid rise in COVID-19 infections, the Solidarity Fund has been at the forefront of addressing the needs of the healthcare sector and social stability in the country. The Fund, which was established in response to the vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, has played a crucial role in supporting various initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of the virus. Nomkhita Nqweni, the CEO of the Solidarity Fund, recently provided an update on the organization's efforts during a television interview. Nqweni highlighted the collaborative nature of the Solidarity Fund, which brings together government, business, and civil society to raise funds and implement targeted interventions. Over the past four months, the Fund has raised approximately three billion rand, which has been utilized to bolster the health system and provide humanitarian assistance in the face of the ongoing crisis. With President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to extend the national state of disaster, the responsibilities of the Solidarity Fund have also evolved to meet the changing needs of the country. Nqweni emphasized the Fund's commitment to playing a catalytic role in responding to the immediate impacts of the pandemic, particularly in hotspot areas where the healthcare system is under strain. During the interview, Nqweni addressed the challenges posed by the different levels of lockdown in South Africa. The transition from level five to level three saw a spike in cases, prompting a reevaluation of the Fund's interventions. Nqweni emphasized the importance of behavioral change in combating the spread of the virus, highlighting a campaign launched by the Fund to promote solidarity among South Africans and encourage adherence to safety protocols. In response to the specific challenges posed by the pandemic, the Solidarity Fund has tailored its initiatives to align with the evolving situation on the ground. For example, in the Eastern Cape, the Fund has partnered with traditional leaders to address key vectors of transmission, such as funerals where large gatherings increase the risk of viral spread. By providing communication tools and amplifying public health messages, the Fund aims to support communities in adopting the necessary behaviors to combat the pandemic. Looking ahead, Nqweni underscored the Fund's ongoing commitment to working closely with key stakeholders, including the National Command Council and the National Department of Health, to coordinate a cohesive response to the crisis. By remaining flexible and responsive to the changing dynamics of the pandemic, the Solidarity Fund continues to play a critical role in supporting South Africa's fight against COVID-19.