A central aspect of the Bench Marks Foundation’s work is supporting communities living in mining areas in their daily struggles and battles. It goes without saying that there are numerous challenges and problems faced by such communities, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated issues.
With the advent of the pandemic and its devastating impact, Bench Marks had to radically adapt and readjust. As challenging as that bumpy road may have been, the foundation has succeeded. Bench Marks managed to set up a fully functional virtual office, established a new policy approach to working, reformulated systems and carried out the necessary improvements to organisational and individual Information and Communications Technology (ICT), traversing a steep learning curve for staff and community activists along the way. An important part of their process has been the Bench Marks Community Activist Action Training and Problem Solving Programme. By Early February 2020 the organisation had discussed and developed its programme for the year, only to be confronted by the Coronavirus pandemic and the country’s first lockdown.
Almost overnight Bench Marks had to start functioning remotely and faced a significant challenge. How could training and problem solving be conducted virtually in the context of the underresourced communities the organisation works with? In addition, most of these communities are in remote areas with a poor network signal and erratic or no electricity supply. While most community activists had cellphones of some form, few or none could afford the required data for daily communications, especially not for a training and problem-solving programme.
Virtual training
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
The year of the ark
Bonang Mohale, a leading businessman and Chancellor of the University of the Free State, recently delivered a speech at a masters’ and doctoral graduation ceremony, from which many South Africans can draw inspiration. This is an edited version of his speech.
An inside job
Yusuf Ganief, Executive Chairperson of Cape Town Festival and lead singer and manager of the music duo Desert Rose, invites us to join his journey in search of freedom.
Mind Your Language
Shadrack Ncele, an undergraduate law student, articulates his inner conflict and double consciousness as a young man born into isiXhosa culture who is now immersed in the English language.
Two Lies And A Half Truth
Marketing Campaign Strategist Jordan Pieters delves into the disparities between the constitutional freedoms that young South Africans have been born into, and their lived realities.
A Question Of Liberty
While there is still much to be done to achieve true freedom for all South Africans, media veteran Ryland Fisher shares why we have reason to celebrate.
Careful What You Wish For
Former newspaper editor Gasant Abarder refl ects on past fantasies about freedom and the imperfections that come with living in a democracy.
Being Homeless Isn't A Crime
According to Statistics South Africa, ours is the most unequal country in the world. And this inequality is visible in all of our cities. Unless you are living under a rock, you’ll be aware that South Africa has a large homeless population.
Living Without Chaos
South African social philosopher and poet Athol Williams weighs up the cost of unfettered chaos.
Living gently
Nicola Rabkin shares what a typical, environmentally conscious day looks like for her family, who is striving for eco-mindfulness.
BUBBLES SANS BOOZE
Zari Sparkling, an alcohol-free bubbly, has been creating a new niche in the beverage sector since 2010.
