UPDATE: MONDAY, 01 JUNE 2020
On 1 June, South Africa moved into lockdown level 3 with some businesses reopening again. We have prepared and cleaned our campus to ensure it is safe for occupation, with our first group of 10 students already on campus to continue with their training.
“While we are looking forward to bringing the rest of our beneficiaries back to Bergzicht Training again, we are also focused on doing that in a safe manner,” says Renske Minnaar, CEO of Bergzicht Training.
The first group of 10 beneficiaries completing the HWSETA-accredited Health and Frail Care Programme at Bergzicht Training returned to the NGO’s campus this week to continue their studies. Bergzicht Training will also be training additional beneficiaries to work as carers and alleviate the pressure on the health and frail care sector. (Adrian Bezuidenhout)
“This means restarting our training in a staggered fashion, and observing and abiding by all the protocols and requirements laid out by the various authorities. Our students will be screened daily, social distancing will be strictly observed, hand sanitiser will be available in every class and in the common areas and personal protective equipment will be provided for everyone.”
UPDATE: FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 2020
Bergzicht Training is waiting to hear what the phased relaxation of lockdown rules announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last night will mean for us going forward. We’ll provide updates on this on this page and our social media platforms as soon as there is more to report.
In the meantime, make sure to stay at home, maintain social distancing, and to wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of the disease.
Below you see the lockdown alert stages and what each stage will mean for South Africans going forward.
UPDATE: FRIDAY, 03 APRIL 2020
We support #StellenboschUnite initiative to provide vulnerable residents in our town with food parcels
The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on the world as we know it, pushing health care systems to the brink of collapse, forcing many countries into a recession, and leading to a staggering number of lives lost. In South Africa, vulnerable communities are feeling the brunt of the pandemic. Many of the beneficiaries we support will also feel the financial impact of this crisis and will need assistance. In addition, many workers are now forced to stay home during the 21-day lockdown and even more left without an income at this time.
To support those in need, the greater Stellenbosch community has come together to provide social support to vulnerable community members during the country’s lockdown.
#StellenboschUnite is a collaboration between Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch University, Visit Stellenbosch (representing civil society), the Stellenbosch Civil Advocacy Network (which represents the non-profit sector), and the Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust. Through this initiative, the organisations are reaching out to the greater Stellenbosch community for financial donations that will be used to make up food parcels for families in need in the communities of Cloetesville, Devon Valley, farming communities, Groendal, Idas Valley, Jamestown, Kayamandi, Klapmuts, Kylemore, La Motte Settlement, Langerug, Lanquedoc, Mooiwater, Mountainview, Pniël, Raithby, Vlottenburg and Wemmershoek. The food parcels are intended for a family of four and will consist of maize meal, rice, soup mix, packets of soup powder, tins of baked beans, salt and sunlight soap. The distribution of the packages will be handled by Feeding in Action, Her Voice, Kuyasa, Love to Give, Pebbles and Usiko. #StellenboschUnite will require R250 000 each week to make this initiative a success.
Bergzicht Training supports this initiative and want to salute our municipality and all the institutions and organisations that have come onboard to ensure that vulnerable residents in the greater Stellenbosch area do not go hungry during this time.
For more info, visit #StellenboschUnite or mail them at give@stellenboschunite.org.
Download a pdf leaflet that provides more details on this initiative.
UPDATE: FRIDAY, 27 MARCH 2020
We are officially in lockdown with the rest of the country for the next 21 days. From today (Friday, 27 March) till 12:00 on Thursday evening, 16 April, we will stay home along with millions of South Africans across the country to do our duty to help slow the growth of the coronavirus. As before, you can mail us at reception@bergzicht.org.za with questions you may have about our programmes or follow us on Facebook, where we’ll regularly update information about how to register for our upcoming programmes.
UPDATE: MONDAY, 23 MARCH 2020
Bergzicht Training has decided to temporarily close its doors from 23 March 2020 to 14 April following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on 15 March in which he declared a national state of disaster in South Africa following the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) on our shores. To keep our staff, beneficiaries, Board members, donors, volunteers and the general public safe, we have decided that the best way we can make a contribution and help flatten the curve in South Africa, is to close our doors for the time being and work from home.
We’ll be reviewing the situation on a weekly basis and will be sharing updates on this page as well as on our Facebook page, so make sure to follow us on both platforms so you know when our offices will be reopened.
In the meantime, should you wish to connect with us, you can do so by sending us a direct message on Facebook or mailing us at reception@bergzicht.org.za. You can also visit our offices between 08:00 and 16:00 from Monday to Friday and leave your details on the signup form on our office door.
You can help manage the spread of Covid-19 and keep yourself safe by doing the following things:
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water
- Using hand sanitiser with a minimum alcohol content of 70% to disinfect your hands
- Not touching your face with your hands
- Staying at home when you’re sick and also avoiding contact with people who are sick
- Regularly cleaning all surfaces that are touched frequently
- Using a tissue or your elbow when you sneeze or cough
Be safe and healthy out there!
