Story
AFRICA CORONA COMMUNITY FUND
As an entrepreneur born in South Africa and a person who travels to Africa often for business and to visit my family & friends. I have always been amazed by the resilience of the African people. I have always been drawn to the plight of the poor and less fortunate, and their ability to survive and cope during the harshest of times. Their enterprise is astonishing, and there is always a sense of finding ways to survive. I have usually kept my ventures in to these parts quiet - I don't think I really shared these parts of my travels with the people who know me, I have always thought it best to do these things silently - BUT I realise that my silence has not allowed me to share the magic of what a little can do for the people you help. I realise I might be under-serving because I actually have the potential to do something bigger!
But during an unprecedented time in our history and the outbreak of Covid-19 taking a look around me I see how people, businesses and communities have been affected by the impact of the virus in the UK, Europe and the US. There is suffering and hardship despite the millions being pledged by the Governments. Lots of money is being raised locally and celebrities and sports personalities have made huge contributions to helping people here.
But what about the millions in some communities in Africa?
With all of this happening I am trying to draw attention to communities I have met on my travels in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho and Zambia – I know for a fact that on the ground there is ZERO funding, NO aid or assistance from their Governments – some of these communities have no access to water or electricity, no way to obtain food if no work is available or the markets and streets they have operated in have shut. These are the forgotten ones - way out of sight from us, the politicians and anyone who can help. These are areas, homes and places where self-isolation is not an option, and social distancing impossible. Washing their hands is a luxury at the best of times…
"I'm trying to make sure they are not forgotten"
While we sit on our phones trawling social media, trying to find new ways to entertain ourselves – irritated by the boredom and inability to socialise, to live our normal lives – Let us be grateful for all we have and spare thoughts for those who don’t have the luxury of being able to stockpile food, or have the comfort of eradicating their boredom through Netflix or Instagram. They worry about where their food is coming from?
For these people: I say let us lend a hand, and give them hope. Let us show them we haven’t forgotten them! Let us share a little with them, let us take away just a little of their worries, Let us give them a chance for comfort by helping them with the basics. Not because they are asking but because in this time of need its our duty and responsibility to reach out a lending hand!
How I'm Going to Do it?
I have teamed up with trusted NGO’s and my close, trusted friends and associates in these countries to help me procure & distribute the basics and essential food to some communities in dire need right now. I will manage and account for all the funds received - and there will be full transparency to all donors.
My plan is to reach £5000 in funding with a £1000 for each community in these countries. You will be surprised how much and how far this money can go. It would be amazing to raise even more than £5000 – but for now I would be happy just to get this off the ground with the view to expanding the fund to additional communities or greater values for each community.
(This whole family lives in that hut - they sell whatever they can to sustain themselves)
(School is these kids only way of being fed twice in a day - Northern KZN 2017
(This little bag was like Christmas had come 100x)
My Appeal: Lets make an Impact!
I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to all my friends, family, colleagues, business associates and fellow entrepreneurs to join me in helping smash this funding target as soon as possible – so we can get down to the real work of making an impact in these affected communities. I am personally kick-starting the fund with a 10% contribution and I challenge you all to match or beat me so we can smash this target. I made this really easy for you - it only takes 5 minutes to make a life changing impact.
If anyone wants to join me in assisting with on the ground distribution or management of this fund please write to me at sm@beta-business.com – I would welcome any assistance and support. You can’t help every person in need, but together we can help many! I've been quiet about this for far too long its time to take action and have a bigger impact!
(The Breadwinner... Kitwe Zambia 2018)
When Corona gets its grip on them it will devastate these people! The streets are solace for most and where sustenance is derived.
(My last solo community essentials shop - Dar es Salaam 2018)
*All pictures are taken by me during the last 2 years of travel in Africa.
(He could be building the next Facebook...)
