Hlokomela works to bring primary healthcare to people left destitute by COVID-19

“People are hungry. People don’t have food.” So says Christine du Preez in her interview with Azania Mosaka. When we talk about people working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not forget the NGOs that are working tirelessly to support South Africa’s most vulnerable communities. Hlokomela is an award-winning healthcare programme set up 14 years ago by Christine to bring primary healthcare to local workers in farming, nature conservation and tourism in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. One of Hlokomela’s greatest supporters has been the Discovery Fund. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought local tourism to a halt, leaving many people without income. And, Hlokomela’s 82 “Nomphilos” (healthcare workers) have been thrust into the forefront of screening for COVID-19.