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The United Nations in South Africa launched an R2.5 billion emergency appeal to help up to 10 million people in vulnerable communities facing various risks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in areas such as health, water and sanitation, food security and gender. based on violence.
The appeal came one day before a Level 4 blockade took effect in the country, in terms of which some restrictions applicable under Level 5 were relaxed.
But the movement of most South Africans is still largely restricted and many people are unable to return to work.
“These measures, along with the global economic shock caused by Covid-19, are generating increasing needs among South Africans that require an urgent response,” the UN said in a statement.
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The UN chief in South Africa and the resident coordinator, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, said that for more than three months, the UN family has worked closely with various partners, including the government, the Solidarity Fund, the community business, civil society and other community organizations, and has been serving vulnerable communities.
“The United Nations fully supports the government’s commitment to a society-wide and government-wide approach,” he said.
Different model
Bekele-Thomas added that she was “encouraged by the president’s constant message that after Covid-19 it will usher in a different model of development, focusing more on inclusion, guided by the motto of leaving no one behind.”
“The appeal complements the South African government’s strategy, which includes stepping up the public health response to reduce transmission speed and reduce infections,” said Health Minister Zweli Mkhize at the launch.
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He was joined by the Minister for Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, and the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
The leaders of the South African National AIDS Council, the South African Global Compact Network, the C-19 People’s Coalition, the Solidarity Fund and the Combined Capital Group also offered their messages in support of the emergency appeal.
“It is not only the pandemic journey, but also the recovery journey for all South Africans,” said Bekele-Thomas.
South Africa has 5,647 positive cases of Covid-19 and there have been 103 deaths.
– Compiled by Vanessa Banton
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