Capetownians supporting one another during Covid-19

South Africa’s lockdown regulations have had a devastating effect on all our lives, affecting people throughout our country.

The unrelenting spread of Covid-19 has seen thousands of South Africans in need of financial support due to a loss of income, with the poorest of communities hit hardest and struggling to support their families, many people have lost their homes, causing considerable suffering.

Many of SA’s entrepreneurs from underprivileged areas rely heavily on the country’s tourism industry to make a living. The travel restriction put in place due to the pandemic has resulted in the loss of trade, bringing about financial hardship.

It is now more crucial than ever for South Africans to support one another and people have shown compassion and solidarity in helping others in need.

Deidre Paul Diemont, manager of Constantia Village shopping centre in Cape Town, is an example of how people are coming together and caring for each other.

She was concerned that the 18 beaders who have been selling their beautiful creations outside of the shopping complex since 2003 were now unable to support their families. Sixty-one family members are supported by the 18 beaders who work on alternating days. Diemont reached out to her sister-in-law, Shannon McKay, in the hope of helping the beaders with financial support.

Mckay recognised that urgent action was needed to help these families and quickly took to social media asking friends and family for support. Thanks to the generosity of people, she has been able to deliver weekly food parcels.

The beaders who returned to work at the start of level 3 have inspired Mckay with their work ethic and tenacity, even on those days which would cost them more in travel than they would make in sales. A photograph that Mckay has shared on social media of artwork created by a beader named Wilbert using recycled Nespresso pods has been shared over 2,000 times, and the public response has been overwhelming.

Social media has helped share the work of the beaders locally and internationally, securing orders from Austria, Australia and the UK. Mckay says the use of recycled Nespresso pods which started in 2017, has been met with much respect, inspiring people to recycle their used pods by dropping it off for the beaders to use.

Local organisations such as Cape Town Together, an initiative born out of a need to help people who have little chance of supporting themselves through the crisis, are shining examples of individuals who are helping communities survive Covid-19.

Thanks to the Constantia Community Action Network, a segment of Cape Town Together who has provided donations, Mckay can continue delivering weekly food parcels to the beaders.

The Constantia Beaders now have their own official Facebook page, Constantia Village Art and Design, where you may order one of their beautiful creations or have something unique designed for you.

Originally written by Bianca Pistorius, The South African

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