Extend Covid-19 relief grants or face humanitarian crisis, say civil society groups
The R350 Social Relief Distress and the caregivers ‘top-up’ grants must be increased and extended into next year to fight poverty, say civil society organisations.
Exams go ahead as over 100 learners test positive for coronavirus at Eastern Cape school
A wave of coronavirus infections has hit schools in the Eastern Cape. The education department says exams must continue though, and is putting regulations in place.
Corpse mix-up leaves Eastern Cape family traumatised
A bungle, that is being blamed on the Covid-19 pandemic, led to a heartbroken East London family being told the wrong body had been released to them, one week after the funeral was held.
High Covid-19 infection rate at one of EC’s top schools
In Mthatha, St Johns College staff and students fear for their lives because of alleged mismanagement, secrecy and lies about confirmed Covid-19 cases at the school.
#LockdownSA: EC traditional leaders ramp up social relief
Taking inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s life, traditional leaders and a local business owner band together to help those living below the poverty line in Mbholompo village, Eastern Cape.
Covid-19 confusion at Mthatha hospital
Lack of protective gear, allegations of intimidation to not disclose patients or staff member’s Covid-19 status and being forced to come into work whilst Covid-19 positive are some claims made by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital nurses against management.
Local celebs and SAYM donate food and seed parcels in EC
The Southern African Youth Movement (SAYM) in collaboration with the Solidarity Fund visited the Eastern Cape to deliver food parcels and seeds. The Solidarity Fund is a government-administered fund aimed at assisting and supporting Covid-19 prevention.
#CoronavirusSA: Chaos at Sassa pay points on day one
Grant beneficiaries converged en masse at pay points in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape as fake news circulated that the grant top-up would only be paid on the first day.
EC flattening the curve with traditional funeral practice
With the consequences of the Majola funeral still being felt in the Eastern Cape, the Amampondomise nation looks to a traditional funeral rite as a Covid-19 prevention measure.
#CoronaVirusSA: First Mthatha Covid-19 death spooks residents
The deceased is the first death in the OR Tambo region, and his coronavirus diagnosis was only found out after he passed away.
#LockdownSA: Informal food traders live in fear without protective gear
Fresh produce hawkers who meet government regulations are allowed to continue business, but in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape food vendors are worried about their safety, as the local government has failed to give them personal protective equipment.