Unlike the UK, South Africa doesn't have Universal credit, childcare benefit or any kind of furlough or self-employment scheme, it has limited free health care and a large population in a critical state of poverty where the fear of starvation is as real as that of Covid-19.
Due to the strict lockdown measures put in place has meant those already at risk have struggled even more to access food, water and basic hygiene kits. The government food parcels are infrequent and often don't arrive at their destination and are also not allocated to any asylum seekers or refugees.
Having grow up in South Africa it will always be my home & I know first hand what extreme poverty & inequality looks like and if one can help they should. The good news is that many locals, grassroots organisations and volunteers have come together to help bring thousands of meals and hygiene kits to vulnerable communities across South Africa although these rely solely on donations.
My 2 young boys and I have decided to walk the equivalent length of Wales, 170 miles (273km) as the crown flies , over the next 3 weeks to help raise funds for 3 charities on the ground in South Africa helping to feed those in need during the Covid crisis.
The charities we are supporting are Breadline Africa, The Lunchbox Fund and Feed Our Valley
We hope to raise £100 for each charity and any amount raised beyond this will be distributed among other small grassroots charities in South Africa helping to fight the impact of Covid-19.