eMedia Investments in association with the Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) Foundation, raised over R7 million for its COVID-19 Relief Fund aimed at assisting the most vulnerable in our society.
“We’re not going to die from COVID-19, we’re going to die from hunger,” the painful and desperate words of a viewer we spoke to in Mitchell’s Plain. Residents took to the streets, not in defiance of the lockdown, but in search of food to feed their families.
In recognition of this need, eMedia Investments in association with the Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) Foundation, launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund aimed at assisting the most vulnerable in our society – fellow South Africans at risk of going to sleep without a meal.
“To us, Ubuntu is a doing word and as much as we launch this relief fund with a contribution that shows just that; we do so fully aware that South Africans who watch our channels feel exactly the same.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for all South Africans to play their part. Having noticed the impact COVID-19 is having on us nationally, and our reporters covering the pandemic in all corners of our country; it is only fitting that we use our platform to mobilise our viewers to help vulnerable communities. To that end, we call on our viewers, businesses too, to support this initiative by making a much needed financial donation of any amount.”
Khalik Sherrif, eMedia Investme
HCI Foundation, the corporate social investment arm of black empowerment investment company HCI, contributed R500 000 to kick-start the fund.
“In addition to their financial contribution, the HCI Foundation will mobilise their already established national network of NGOs to assist with distribution. Together with our viewers, and the HCI Foundation; we hope to do our part in getting us through this difficult time. We will not stand by while children, child-headed households and the elderly struggle to get the nutrition they need to stay healthy during this disaster. Neither will fellow South Africans,” Sherrif said.
Jamala Safari, CEO of the HCI Foundation, said that the fund would work with reputable NGOs to make sure that as many families as possible benefit.
“We will be working with a network of dedicated NGOs to reach different parts of the country where help is needed. Through this already established network, we will ensure that food relief reaches families who are most in need as a result of the pandemic. We urge fellow citizens that can offer a lifeline to those whose lives are currently at risk due to hunger, to join us by donating.”
Jamala Safari, CEO of the HCI Foundation
As part of its food distribution network, the eMedia COVID-19 Relief Fund also worked with the Lunchbox Fund. This is a service that provides daily meals to orphaned and vulnerable school children within townships and rural areas across South Africa.
“The steady increase in cases of COVID-19 cases has presented a significant need for citizens across the country to stay indoors to assist with slowing the spread and effects of the virus.
We urge our viewers to continue playing their part in fighting the pandemic by staying at home while we keep them informed and entertained,” Sherrif concluded.
