Covid-19 Hygiene Supplies for People of Makause
Donation protected
Last night (9th of April), the Covid-19 emergency lock down in South Africa was extended for a further 21 days until the 30th of April. Given the importance of hygiene in fighting the spread of the virus, it is vital that all communities have access to soap and other cleaning and hygiene products in order to protect themselves and slow transmission.
The Makause Informal Settlement is one of many informal settlements in South Africa. These people are particularly impacted by this shut down because they often lack the means to prepare themselves, and do not have access to in-house running water. Moreover, they are often ineligible for government loans or grants, and bureaucracy often means delays in access to the funding that they are entitled to.
Our fundraiser has a simple goal, we aim to provide the most basic hygiene necessities to the most vulnerable households, many of which are headed by children or high risk groups. Packs include soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, water, and mask.
We are fundraising on behalf of local stakeholders as we have the necessary bank account to be able to start a GoFundMe (a South African bank account cannot be used). No commission or fees will be taken by us or any of the volunteers. The money will not be used to pay wages of any kind. We will provide full accounting for the transfers of money and how it was spent.
While many of us are struggling during this time, even a small donation can make an enormous difference in this community. These funds are needed as soon as possible. An outbreak within this community would be devastating, and it is crucial they are given a fighting chance to protect themselves.
About Makause:
Makause settlement is home to approximately 850 families. Many of these households are indigent and/or child headed. Families often consist of more than 4 people and are currently confined to one room shacks. There are only 13 running water taps. The focus of this fundraiser is to provide emergency funds for hygiene supplies to the elderly, sick, the most indigent and child-headed families.
Local Stakeholders and involved parties:
General A. Moyo
General is our main contact person on the ground in the community. General lives in the settlement and is the Makause Covid 19 Campaign Coordinator. He is organizing distribution of hygiene packages, as well as security patrols, and other essential operations like food-making and distribution. The campaign supports the Makause Community Development Forum. (please note General is his christian name, this initiative is in no way affiliated with the armed forces.)
Marie Huchzermeyer
Professor in the School of Architecture and Planning at Wits University, South Africa. Marie first took her students to Makause in 2007, and she is in contact with three other informal settlements. She works as a planner and sociologist, as well as a professor.
Susanne Harford
Susanne is currently on lock-down in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is liaising directly with the Marie Hurchzermyer and General as the situation is highly dynamic. Susanne is a consultant and a life long student.
Donatella Felice and Kurt Maurer
We are a South African/Australian couple based in Germany. Donatella's mother (Susanne Harford) is currently in South Africa and liaising with members of the community. Kurt is a financial controller and accountant, and Donatella is a student. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Photo credits:
Photo: Supplied by General Moyo in 2020 depicting himself and female members of the community.
Notes about international transfers:
If you are from the US or Australia and concerned about conversion rates, please contact Donatella directly.
If you are South African and wish to contribute by EFT, please send the money to the following account:
Card Holder: G Moyo
Bank: FNB
Branch Name: Primrose
Branch Code: 0000252942
Account Number: 62848704195
Please send an email to [email redacted] so we can thank you for your donation.
#donate #unitedwestand #community #makause #PPEforall
The Makause Informal Settlement is one of many informal settlements in South Africa. These people are particularly impacted by this shut down because they often lack the means to prepare themselves, and do not have access to in-house running water. Moreover, they are often ineligible for government loans or grants, and bureaucracy often means delays in access to the funding that they are entitled to.
Our fundraiser has a simple goal, we aim to provide the most basic hygiene necessities to the most vulnerable households, many of which are headed by children or high risk groups. Packs include soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, water, and mask.
We are fundraising on behalf of local stakeholders as we have the necessary bank account to be able to start a GoFundMe (a South African bank account cannot be used). No commission or fees will be taken by us or any of the volunteers. The money will not be used to pay wages of any kind. We will provide full accounting for the transfers of money and how it was spent.
While many of us are struggling during this time, even a small donation can make an enormous difference in this community. These funds are needed as soon as possible. An outbreak within this community would be devastating, and it is crucial they are given a fighting chance to protect themselves.
About Makause:
Makause settlement is home to approximately 850 families. Many of these households are indigent and/or child headed. Families often consist of more than 4 people and are currently confined to one room shacks. There are only 13 running water taps. The focus of this fundraiser is to provide emergency funds for hygiene supplies to the elderly, sick, the most indigent and child-headed families.
Local Stakeholders and involved parties:
General A. Moyo
General is our main contact person on the ground in the community. General lives in the settlement and is the Makause Covid 19 Campaign Coordinator. He is organizing distribution of hygiene packages, as well as security patrols, and other essential operations like food-making and distribution. The campaign supports the Makause Community Development Forum. (please note General is his christian name, this initiative is in no way affiliated with the armed forces.)
Marie Huchzermeyer
Professor in the School of Architecture and Planning at Wits University, South Africa. Marie first took her students to Makause in 2007, and she is in contact with three other informal settlements. She works as a planner and sociologist, as well as a professor.
Susanne Harford
Susanne is currently on lock-down in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is liaising directly with the Marie Hurchzermyer and General as the situation is highly dynamic. Susanne is a consultant and a life long student.
Donatella Felice and Kurt Maurer
We are a South African/Australian couple based in Germany. Donatella's mother (Susanne Harford) is currently in South Africa and liaising with members of the community. Kurt is a financial controller and accountant, and Donatella is a student. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Photo credits:
Photo: Supplied by General Moyo in 2020 depicting himself and female members of the community.
Notes about international transfers:
If you are from the US or Australia and concerned about conversion rates, please contact Donatella directly.
If you are South African and wish to contribute by EFT, please send the money to the following account:
Card Holder: G Moyo
Bank: FNB
Branch Name: Primrose
Branch Code: 0000252942
Account Number: 62848704195
Please send an email to [email redacted] so we can thank you for your donation.
#donate #unitedwestand #community #makause #PPEforall
Fundraising team (5)
Kurt Maurer
Organizer
Munich, Bayern
Susanne Johnston
Team member
Donatella Felice
Team member
General Moyo
Team member
Marie Huchzermeyer
Team member