To date, COURAGE has managed to raise R10.5 million and has been assisting vulnerable Hout Bay households of Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg with food parcels and essential items since 31 March 2020. . COURAGE has given themselves a target of R30 million, which will allow for the programme to continue through to September of this year.

What sets COURAGE apart from other charitable initiatives is the fact that it is run by various professionals and business-savvy people who are all able to contribute their particular knowledge and skillsets in different parts of the programme. These volunteers, along with local NGOs, community groups, churches and sports clubs are working together to help to relieve those most affected during this challenging time.

The crisis management initiative is not only raising significant funds, it is also managing a centralised, accountable food supply chain system, with a volunteer model that has proved it is sustainable and can last beyond the current COVID-19 crisis. Its archetype is one that can easily be rolled out in other suburbs across South Africa and COURAGE is hoping that this successful model will encourage others around the country – as well as into Africa – to do the same within their respective communities.

For more information visit www.courage.africa

ManleySocial has joined forces with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). ManleySocial is supporting the agency pro bono to highlight a new COVID-19 Self-Diagnostic Application & Predictive Modelling Dashboard, a digital tool to both help South Africans self-assess their COVID-19 symptoms, and aid government efforts to pinpoint virus hotspots.

The project is the product of a strong coalition between the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR); the Global Surgery Foundation; the Rali and Makentse Mampeule Foundation; the University of Cape Town Division of Global Surgery; and Slalom – a Global Technology Company.

In its role of assisting the authorities to identify communities with a high prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms, the dashboard facilitates subsequent targeted testing and treatment interventions,

The Application, which is designed specifically for South African users, requires low data bandwidth and is available in local languages.

This completely voluntary self-diagnostic tool collects data that is fully anonymous, allows users to assess symptoms and guides them to the next course of action and identifies potential hotspots and communities at risk. It will support health policy leaders in making critical decisions, including prioritising resource allocations, targeting testing efforts, and making informed life-saving decisions in the fight against COVID-19.

The web application can be accessed free of charge at http://covid.za.com