Food on a wheelbarrow

The challenge of dealing with an invisible virus that has brought many businesses to their knees has meant that disadvantaged communities have become more disadvantaged. This period of lockdown and privation has forced communities to return to the most basic way of doing things, looking out for every cent and carrying their food on wheelbarrows. Solidarity has been of critical importance.

October has demonstrated to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and our Each1Feed1 donors how an opportunity to bring change to lives can also be a lesson on how communities survive and work together. In the community of Zandspruit, 50 women of this township stood in solidarity with, and represented, child-headed families as they helped by carrying an Each1Feed1 food parcel. They brought wheelbarrows to carry the load. They waited patiently for each other, using the only five wheelbarrows in their possession. A similar pattern emerged in Ikageng, where again wheelbarrows emerged to carry food to those in need. And in Develand retail food trolleys emerged alongside wheelbarrows as part of the equipment for food delivery to neighbours. People were taking turns to do the work and to make sure that everyone got home safely. It was great to see a community making use of what was accessible to them.

It was also good to see that our communities are strong and are carrying COVID-19 related responsibilities with determination. Even children were wearing facemasks and everyone was concerned about the health protocols. These communities and the Nelson Mandela Foundation would like to thank the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, EuropaArt, Mandela Square Sandton, and the many Pay Pal donors, including Eric Rothemberger and Ms Mmakgosi Rasepae.

We call on our friends to continue supporting us in this endeavour and make a difference in people’s lives. May the wheelbarrows continue delivering food! Please visit our website to see how you can be part of this change.