Community organisations are doing their best to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus among poor people.
One such NPO is Iliso in Khayelitsha, which donated sanitisers, soap and instant porridge to 700 people in Site C on Friday.
Founder Vivian Zilo says the time for organisations to act is now.
“We must assist the government in fighting the spread of the virus either by educating people or donating disinfectants,” she says.
Vivian adhered to the social distancing regulations set by government and asked people to not come in large numbers.
They compiled a list of 700 names and gave people times when they could come to collect their parcels.
“It starts with us, if we take this seriously, people will learn from us,” she adds.
One of the recipients, Nokwanda Mhlanga, said many Khayelitsha residents can’t afford the products.
“We cannot afford sanitisers because we have to choose between them and food,” she says.
“I am happy that there are organisations like Iliso, which are making life easier for us during this difficult time.”
Iliso is involved with other projects which have been put on hold due to lockdown.
“We offer life skills programmes,” says Vivian.
“Our aim is to develop people from the community with the help of funders from around the country and government.
“I am pleased that we managed to assist the families and hopefully others will do the same.
“We can fight the spread of Coronavirus if we put effort into it because where there is a will, there’s a way.”