While the Netherlands is currently tightening up the Covid measures again, South Africa is switching back to lockdown phase 1. This means, among other things, that the schools can open again and that the country will open again for international tourism. However, strict conditions apply.

Tourists from areas with code orange are welcome, if not listed on the NOT welcome list from South Africa, but must be quarantined for at least 14 days upon arrival. An extensive package of strict measures also applies to the reopening of the schools. After purchasing the mandatory protective materials, the Social Development checks whether the school actually meets all the requirements for reopening. However, the control capacity is very limited. It will therefore take at least another month before all Bambanani children can go back to school.

Fortunately, thanks to the Bambanani Emergency Fund, we can bridge this period. There is sufficient buffer to buy food for the children in need and to provide the teachers with a basic income.

The required protective equipment has also been paid for from the Emergency Fund. There is real hope that the Emergency Fund will become redundant in November. A very important condition is that there is no 2nd Corona wave in South Africa …

Due to the mandatory quarantine and the fact that the schools cannot yet be opened (en masse), the Friends of Bambanani will not be travelling to South Africa for the time being. Daily contact with our local organization to monitor the situation and to provide immediate assistance where necessary remains in place. If the positive development continues, our project and investment manager will travel to South Africa at the beginning of next year,
more than 10 months after the last visit.

To be continued!