We are on the eve of Level 3. What will the new phase look like and what will be the disaster relief measures? It remains an ongoing process of interpretation and adaptation.
Meanwhile, Badisa has issued full disaster relief guidelines to its programmes and it is good to take note – read here. This strategy has been compiled with full regard to the Level 4 lock-down regulations, preliminary indications of what can be expected within Level 3, as well as the most recent government policy decisions. In the event of drastic changes to Level 3 measures, adjustments will be communicated.
In several communities, Badisa programmes are already part of the local ecumenical networks, but there may be a congregation and programme somewhere that could strengthen the collaboration relationship in the next few weeks.
A VERY SPECIFIC ROLE
Badisa supports an orderly, coordinated and responsible response to humanitarian aid. Local circumstances, of course, determine the application of guidelines, but in general, the specific role that Badisa social workers can play includes the following:
- Assessing the circumstances of individuals and families as they come to the attention – similar to those played as a rule by social workers in conjunction with the Department of Social Development (DSD).
- Support the process by which individuals and families are prioritized for humanitarian assistance.
- Utilizing social workers’ professional expertise and knowledge of social conditions in communities.
- The involvement of social workers is not necessarily limited to the Badisa client system.
- The current working agreements between Badisa and DSD is primarily aimed at appropriately coordinating statutory child protection services. It is requested that, in principle, these geographical demarcations must still adhere to, but that adjustments be made, if necessary, to enter into temporary (local) agreements for the specific purposes of humanitarian aid. It is hereby assumed that DSD is also involved in the formation of such networks, which will facilitate these discussions.
The involvement of other Badisa programmes are supported and will be determined in terms of local circumstances, needs and availability, for example, food preparation and distribution assistance.
BADISA AND ISSUE OF PERMITS
If Level 3 still requires congregations to have permits in order to be allowed to be part of a nutrition project and, provided Badisa is part of the network, the programme is authorized, under regulated circumstances, to issue travel permits to volunteers of the congregation – read here
- There is an agreement with Diaconia that Badisa programmes will form part of local networks, and therefore a preferred partner for the issuing of travel permits to DRC and URCSA congregations.
- However, with the issuing of the permits please ensure that there is a proven link/alignment with programme activities in the geographical area concerned. The fact that the programme is part of the local network is sufficient.
- It is requested that these permits, when issued, be entered in a register, to be kept at the Badisa.
- Depending on circumstances, either the Programme Chairman or Manager: Social Services can issue the travel permit.
FOOD SUPPLY MEASURES
Following national uncertainties about food preparation regulations and measures as reported in the press, the National Social Services Minister provided the following feedback via email to NACOSS affiliated NPOs (we believe this also gives an indication of the nature of regulations that will soon be issued in this regard):
We appreciate your letter, however, the government does not want to prevent NPOs. You distribute food to the needy in their areas, but (we) want responsible food distribution and feeding. There has been lots of undignified, disorganised manner of food distribution in the country. Some NPOs has been distributing food that does not have nutritional value for the beneficiaries.
The lockdown directives require that we observe the following to prevent the spread of coronavirus
- No gathering of people queuing for food
- Correct distancing
- Use of PPEs
The directive requires us to observe and practice:
- Knock and drop off food parcels at the houses once per month to avoid or limit contact of people in fear of transmitting coronavirus
- In-house patients or older person to remain in the old age homes
- Limiting or no visitation to shelters and old age homes
So in order to control the COVID-19 pandemic, the department must control the movement of people to prevent the spread of the virus and must issue a directive for adherence. NPOs can provide food to the communities but must apply for permits and must notify the department to prevent duplication and ensure adherence to the food nutritional values as prescribed by Health.
Food that is distributed must also adhere to the following requirements and standards
- Nutritional value of the food
- Appropriate quantities
- In cooked meals, correct temperature and amount”
SECTION 18 CERTIFICATES
Badisa can issue Section 18A certificates for donations made within very specific guidelines. Inquiries about such donations can be directed to [email protected]