ITS GLOVES OFF IN UNMASKING THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19

The threat to the country’s socioeconomic profile by the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic jolted at least one WSU lecturer to do his bit in fighting the negative effects of the imminent economic downturn.

Through his non-profit organisation, “Let It Rain”, administration and hospitality department lecturer, Sinoyolo Nokutywa, sourced, collected and distributed food parcels worth R6 000 to at least 12 families in Mthatha earlier this year.

“Because of the government lockdown, many people who work in “non-essential” industries such as hawking, hairdressing, gardening and carpentry have unfortunately lost their means of income. These are breadwinners whose meagre incomes feed their families. With the help of identified ward committees, we’ve identified households that fall within this category which are most in need of this relief,” said Nokutywa.

These humble food parcels consisted of the barest of necessities, including staple items such as salt; flour; cooking oil; yeast; rice; sugar; maize meal; samp and beans and concentrated juice mix.

Nokutywa, who himself grew up in poverty, said it was most significant now more than ever for society and its communities to come together and find ways of mitigating the devastation that is soon to befall the country.

“I believe it really does “take a village to raise a child”, and because of my own experience of that mantra, it’s only natural for me to dedicate the little I have in helping those who’re less fortunate than I am,” he said.

Because he’s an academic, Nokutwya refused to restrict himself only to philanthropic efforts alone, but naturally gravitated towards the creation of awareness by educating the families and communities about the pandemic.

Through his face-to-face engagements and online social media platform, Nokutywa has made a conscious effort to educate and advise people about the dangers of the virus and the importance of abiding by government’s protocols and interventions.

“My life’s work is to benefit my fellow man! Everything I do is to benefit humanity, especially the marginalized and downtrodden. That is why I’ve pledged 15% of my salary to ploughing back to society by helping out students, and in this case, my local community,” he asserted.

By the end of this campaign, Nokutywa, who is currently actively sourcing funding from friends, family, colleagues and other donors, touched the lives of at least 30 families.

By Thando Cezula