Local Charity to Honor COVID-19 Heroes

Out of the widespread devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a new generation of heroes has been born. While some of them remain masked in true comic book hero style, they boast a range of extraordinary skills unlike anything ever seen before in the super-hero universe. These heroes are not only selfless and compassionate but are also actively fighting all the evils born out of the pandemic. The COVID-19 heroes can be found in countless environments and often carry titles such as doctor, nurse, community leader, retail worker, policeman, and humanitarian. Collectively, they are typically referred to as Essential Workers and they are laboring every day to reduce the impact COVID-19 has on the South African population to the best of their ability.

The effect of COVID-19 on South Africa

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei province. It has since spread globally, resulting in the current pandemic.

In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national state of disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act.

The President announced a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the virus and, in doing that, South Africans were told to stay at home.

If not for food, medication, or social grants, no South African should be on the street — except for Essential Service Workers

Across South Africa, people and organisations have offered to help by mobilizing efforts, resources, and time to assist in “flattening the curve” and lowering the infection rates by extending help, assistance, and support for those seeking medical care and aiding those whose lives have been disrupted by the pandemic.

From left to right: Ritesh Singh, Shireen Ebrahim, Ridwan Ebrahim, Hitesh Bhakta

Worthy awards for everyday heroes

The Charity Driven Organisation (CDO), was founded 5 years ago by passionate businesswoman, philanthropist, and community activist, Mrs. Shireen Ebrahim. The COVID-19 Hero Awards was initiated as a CDO community project on the 7th of April 2020, and later-on announced by Mrs. Ebrahim on the 21st of April first on Facebook and thereafter on NewzRoom Afrika.

National Awards ceremonies comprising all 9 provinces of South Africa will be held in Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape to formally recognise and appreciate the TRUE HEROES of South Africa during the Corona Virus pandemic.

“My aim with the COVID-19 Hero Awards is to recognise, award and honour frontline [3] Essential Service Workers, individuals, organisations and sponsors who put their hearts and passion in selflessly helping others to flatten the curve and lower the infection rates during the Corona Virus pandemic experienced worldwide and also giving tribute to those whom we lost. It’s also a token appreciation to say THANK YOU for the selfless work done by our Heroes of South Africa during the pandemic,” says Ebrahim

Mrs. Ebrahim has requested the public to nominate people and organizations who have made a difference as a Leader or as Team Player by being selfless, compassionate, caring, and helpful towards others with the true spirit of Ubuntu to make South Africa great again.

The Nomination process

Complete option A or B below:

If you do not have the nominated persons’ contact details but want to nominate them, complete Option A:

Option A) Nominate via the Facebook Group

Send a video, or news article or a high-quality photo of the work done by the individual to the Covid-19 Hero Awards Facebook Group. Like the post and comment on the post by mentioning the individual’s full name and surname; TAG the individual if possible. Provide your motivation in less than 150 words on why this individual should be considered for the Covid-19 Hero Awards.

If you have the nominated persons contact details complete Option B:

Option B) Nominate via e-mail

Send a video, or news article or a high-quality photo of the work done by the individual to admin@cdo-sa.co.za, include the nominated persons full name and surname; contact number with and area code if this is a landline number. Provide your motivation in less than 150 words on why this individual should be considered for the Covid-19 Hero Awards.

The finalists will be sent formal documentation detailing the Event details, Venue etc. Nominated individuals and those nominating, are also requested to join and follow the Covid-19 Hero Awards Facebook Group for up to date information on the project.