Inspired by the remarkable action of Joanie Fredericks, a Mitchells Plain community activist who has launched a campaign to take on the president in court, Marc Lottering penned a heart-breaking song – one of the most authentic and raw representations of South African’s hunger pandemic.
Turning into Joanie Fredericks’ street in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, nothing could have prepared me for the sight of a few hundred people waiting for a loaf of bread to see them through the day. It is a near-apocalyptic sight; undeniable evidence that we have failed in preventing the hunger pandemic that has devastated communities across the country.This has been a daily reality for millions of South Africans since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown.
“It’s always chaos here,” Fredericks tells me, barely able to catch her breath before her phone rings. She’s off and I’m left with Nadeemah Jones, who is handing over a Baby Essentials care bag to Shahida Khan. “I’m the youngest great grandmother ever in my family,” Shahida says proudly as she accepts the warm blankets and baby clothes. She thanks Aunty Nadeemah and joins the crowd waiting for bread.It is chaos, but it’s organised. The volunteers take their positions and the gate opens.
Fredericks tells me that it was amazing to see private citizens, corporates and organisations opening their pockets to donate food. Most heartwarming, she says, were the community members who opened their pantries and gave their last cans of food. But this is not sustainable, she says. She is now preparing to launch a constitutional case to challenge the treatment of the South African people during lockdown. Since the release of the “What about the people?” video, Fredericks and her plea have gained nationwide attention. Even the United Nations have contacted her, she says. But still no direct response from the president.
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