The rapid spread of COVID19 is an enormous cause for concern, particularly for the well-being of people who have limited access to key public services (health facilities, water and shelter) that are crucial for managing the spread of the virus.

We are highly concerned about the capacity of public health care facilities to cater to the needs of people in the event of increased infections, from testing and diagnosis right through to treatment. We call upon leaders of the 16 SADC nations to prioritize the well-being of the public & implement the necessary decisions that will better contain viral spread and minimize its impact. We commend SADC for suspending all meetings in the interest of public health and the leadership of Namibia, Botswana, Angola and South Africa on their responses to COVID19. We call on all SADC member states to implement necessary travel bans, public gathering control steps, public education and awareness campaigns and other measures required to contain its potential spread.

To our civil society partners, we ask that you continue your important work while sharing awareness of COVID19 to your respective groups. Your voices will minimize the spread of false information. We refer all our partners and beneficiaries to the World Health Organisation for all latest updates on COVID19. Now is the time to communicate true and life-saving information, especially to citizens who may not have access to internet services.

Our organisation has heeded the declaration of the state of national disaster in South Africa. As of today, 16 March 2020 all employees of the Trust will work remotely until 14 April. Thanks to technology, our work will continue – we remain online and can be contacted via email. All travel by our staff members has been cancelled & planned events will either be postponed or hosted via webinar.

It is through precaution, correct communication and caring for each other’s well-being that our region will overcome this pandemic. Southern Africa Trust stands with nations and the world by playing our part ending COVID19.

From Southern Africa Trust Executive Management