The advent of the coronavirus pandemic has not only brought unprecedented uncertainty, but it is also threatening the livelihoods of millions of South Africans. Many South Africans who have what are considered non-essential jobs are currently jobless, and those who work in the informal or Gig economy are seeing a huge reduction in the opportunities for them to earn a wage. In many cases these individuals are also the main breadwinner; therefore, the need for finding ways to supply much- needed food and other essentials has increased rapidly in vulnerable communities.

To do our part in helping curb the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local communities, CapaCiTi (the Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative (CiTi)’s Digital Career Accelerator) has designed the CapaCiTi Cares campaign.

What is the CapaCiTi Cares campaign?

CapaCiTi Cares is a campaign that aims to bring about positive change by encouraging CapaCiTi candidates to go out into their own communities and make someone’s life a little bit better. Due to a generous donation from a benefactor, Candidates will be given R250 to use to create a positive change for someone in need. Many of our candidates don’t have R250 to spare, but they tell us how they want to share and help others who have a greater need.  CapaCiTi Cares gives them a chance to give back and demonstrate humanity in action.

What you can do with the R250

If you had R250 to help someone else, what would you do?

We have asked our candidates to use this as a creative learning experience and make a positive difference in the next person’s life.

Hunger is a major concern in our communities, and as such, we hope that the generous donation will feed as many people in diverse communicates across Johannesburg and Cape Town as possible.  You could buy a bag of groceries for the grandma next door or make soup for 50 people in your community. You could contribute to a local school feeding programme or make sandwiches all week for the men on the corner who have no work.

In these unprecedented times, people need kindness, humanity and love. We hope that our Candidates will spread the love through CapaCiTi Cares by alleviating some of the daily struggles. You’d be surprised at how much such a small gesture could mean, follow our socials and feel inspired as these young people share their stories of giving with you..