Solidarity is an important value for any society, as well as for the entire global community. It is a quality that is based on equality, inclusion, and social justice through the recognition of a set of common, universal values that characterise us as human beings with dignity.

“Solidarity is so important that it represents the basis of many other human values, such as friendship, companionship, loyalty, or honour. It allows us to feel sentimentally united to those people who are supported.”- Secretary-General of the United Nations

On Monday 23 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that a Solidarity Fund managed independently from the South African government had been created as a way for all South Africans, from the public and private sectors, civil society, as well as the general public, to support measures to monitor and slow the spread of Covid-19 as well as to assist in the economic recovery. Take a look at the new website.

What are the aims of the fund:

Prevent

Prevent the spread of the infection by supporting campaigns and communication measures to flatten the curve. Find Out More

Detect

Detect and understand the magnitude of the disease through the supply of testing kits and research. Find Out More

Care

Care for those in hospital or medical care by ensuring a supply of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).Find Out More

Support

Support those whose lives have been disrupted by the pandemic through the support of feeding and shelter programmes across the country.

Find Out More

The president lead by example announcing that his entire cabinet including himself would donate a third of their monthly salaries to the Solidarity fund for the next three months.

This leadership has inspired a movement across South Africa with several CEO’s sacrificing a percentage of their salaries to the fund including Nedbank chief executive Mike Brown, Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub, FirstRand group’s CEO, COO and CFO, and the CEOs of its largest businesses, FNB, RMB and WesBank, and many more!

CEO’s aren’t the only ones getting involved. To date, the Solidarity Fund has managed to raise R1.9 Billion from the support of businesses and individuals around South Africa, with donations ranging from R2 to more than R1 million.

“Whilst the amount raised is commendable, especially given the time period, and sounds like a lot, I think it’s important to note that, against the scale of the challenges we face, it is still a drop in the ocean,” said Fund interim CEO Nomkhita Nqweni

What are the ways we can show solidarity?

That’s where we come in. Brownie Points has been approached to assist the Solidarity Fund in connecting citizens and businesses with causes calling for assistance during the pandemic.

How to get involved:

STEP 1: Find your cause by keywords, location or organisation e.g. Cape Town, donate

STEP 2: Sign up & track your commitment

STEP 3: Check-in & confirm

My community-based NPO & feeding plan require assistance:

Our goal is to empower established NGOs and NPOs around South Africa to assist the most vulnerable amongst us – by acting as a tool to mobilize volunteering efforts. If you do work for, or know someone that works for an NGO or NPO that is actively trying to assist during this outbreak, please list that specific cause on this campaign page (for free) to maximize your outcomes.

If you require more information or assistance in listing or finding a cause please reach out to Blake: [email protected]

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