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UFS Reflections Series: South Africa in COVID-19 Times

15 July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fracture lines in societies worldwide. South Africa is no different. The poor are less able to protect themselves from the danger posed by the virus. Workers in factories, mines, and the service sector went back to their places of work following the lifting of the strictest lockdown measures, while office workers, typically better paid, can generally work from home. Living conditions in informal settlements make social distancing all but impossible, while the middle class can largely stay at home and stay safe to a much larger extent. With many businesses shutting down, downsizing or rethinking their business models, it is often small and medium, as well as informal sector businesses that are most affected.

The impact of COVID-19 comes on the back of a society and economy that was already under significant pressure following years of low economic growth and poor government performance. Many commentators have already questioned the social compact South Africans made in the mid-1990s, which marked the end of the apartheid regime. These divisions have become more glaring, with some civil society organisations considering challenging the Minister of Finance’s adjustment budget in the Constitutional Court, because the budget might result in a roll-back of the progressive realisation of the socio-economic rights mandated in the Constitution.

In this first of four webinars, academics from the UFS as well as invited experts reflect on the constitutional commitment South Africans made to one another two and half decades ago. Is it time for a new deal? Should we collectively recommit ourselves to our existing deal? Do we interpret that deal in the same way today as we did more than two decades ago? How does the economic reality we face, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, affect that deal? What are the economic realities we face, and whose are they? And how should we think about human development in the context of our deal?

Come and join us from 14:00 to 15:30 on 21 July.

RSVP to Sibongile Mlotya at MlotyaS@ufs.ac.za no later than 19 July, upon which you will receive a Business for Skype meeting invite.

Speakers:

Prof Danie Brand on ‘New deal’ or collective recommitment? The Constitution under COVID-19 and beyond

Prof Melanie Walker on Human development and the capability approach in COVID-19 times

Prof Lochner Marais on Reflections on continuities and discontinuities after COVID-19

Prof Philippe Burger on Viewing the realisation of socio-economic rights in a post-COVID-19 South Africa through an economic lens

Please also mark the following dates in your diaries for the second through fourth Reflection webinars:

Gender Inequalities and Gender-based Violence 28 July 14:00-15:30

The quality of our democracy under COVID-19 and beyond 13 August 14:00-15:30

Urban living post-COVID-19 27 August 14:00-15:30

News Archive

Student gives hope to childhood cancer patients

2015-10-16

Siphokuhle Jama believes that the underprivileged are also destined to reign.

The inaugural ‘Dance and Musical Childhood Cancer Fundraising Day’, held on Saturday 26 September 2015 at the Free State Childhood Cancer (CHOC) Foundation, was “a huge success,” according to Siphokuhle Jama, the organiser.

Siphokuhle is a second-year BSc Agricultural Economics student at the University of the Free State (UFS), who has devoted his life to bettering the lives of the less fortunate. The 21-year-old self-proclaimed motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and budding author was inspired by his humble beginnings to found the Destined to Reign Foundation, which champions various community initiatives in both his home town of Mtata and Bloemfontein.

To support the fight against childhood cancer, the young philanthropist took it upon himself to invite music and dance fanatics either to perform or to enjoy spectatorship for a good cause. The impressive support received from the UFS, Universitas Academic Hospital, and Central University of Technology (CUT), various artists, and the community has contributed towards ensuring that the inaugural fundraiser was a prelude to annual events to come.

Singers, dancers, and poets entertained the audience with vigour, making the day one of the most special for the young children, who spend their days and nights at the CHOC House, with little to do but undergo radiation and chemotherapy and await a discharge date. .

All proceeds went towards basic needs, such as food, toiletries, and clothing for the children residing at the House, which is located in the same suburb as our university. In addition to accommodating dozens of cancer patients and their mothers, the House also assists with the treatment and rehabilitation of children suffering from life-threatening blood disorders. Thus, the fundraiser served to promote awareness of these health conditions.

Siphokuhle’s passion for giving hope to the underprivileged was unveiled by a school community engagement project 14 years ago. He has never looked back.“It has always been in my heart to serve my community,” he said.

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