A community in a newly formed informal settlement near the South African city of Cape Town has given the pandemic a new twist and named their area Covid-19.
The place is occupied by people who have lost their income due to the pandemic and cannot afford to pay rent.
It has different sections named Covid-1, Covid-2 etc all the way up to Covid-19.
Many of the homes there are made from corrugated iron.
Another informal settlement nearby has been named Sanitizer. It’s partly in jest but also reflects the effects that the virus is having on some communities.
Locals have said they are aware of the growing number of informal settlements, especially at this time, but managing them is difficult.
Land is a contentious issue in South Africa and Cape Town is often cited as a prime example of how structural apartheid forced black and marginalised communities to live on the peripheries of the city often needing to spend a lot of money to get to work.
More than three million South Africans have lost their jobs since the lockdown and as the country battles with a sharp rise in infections, putting strain on the health system – the economic effects of the pandemic are beginning to hit hard too.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s Chief of Staff emphasises essence of journalistic integrity in Climate Change reporting
58 seconds -
Minister highlights media’s crucial role in climate change advocacy at 3rd African Media Convention
15 mins -
Brazil named 2027 Women’s World Cup hosts
20 mins -
Renal Patients Association demands fairness in NHIS coverage
21 mins -
Theophilus Berchie: Towards a sustainable future: embracing Mahama’s vision for small-scale mining in Ghana
23 mins -
Voter ID cards of Akosombo Dam flood victims will be replaced for free – EC assures NDC
27 mins -
GJA President calls on African journalists to enhance media freedom with innovative approaches
29 mins -
Election 2024: NPP has no choice but to vacate Jubilee House, hand over power – NDC
30 mins -
7 subtle signs you’re in love with a misogynistic man
32 mins -
Joy Impact Makers Awards 2024: Nominees unveiled
34 mins -
I will order any appointee who engages in mining to resign – Mahama
40 mins -
Mahama won’t be accountable to you because he won’t seek reelection – Bawumia to Ghanaians
43 mins -
Bawumia promises 30% expenditure cut when elected
48 mins -
We don’t calculate customs duties in foreign currency – GRA clarifies
50 mins -
Limited voter registration: 2 Nigerians arrested in Asokore Mampong
58 mins