Wendy Tlou, executive head of the humanitarian response and behaviour change pillars at the Solidarity Fund, says, "'The When We Come Together' campaign tells the stories of both well-known and ordinary South Africans who have responded creatively to encouraging new behaviours in the fight against the Coronavirus."

"This is aimed at inspiring and empowering South Africans to continue the journey towards overcoming the pandemic. Although vaccines — which are one of the best ways to fight the virus — are being rolled out, the threat of a third wave remains very real," adds Tlou.

"South Africans are therefore called on to continue to practice the Covid-19 safety guidelines which include:
  • the proper wearing of masks
  • covering the nose and mouth even when in the company of friends and family
  • avoiding large gatherings
  • ensuring good ventilation, especially when using public transport, and
  • maintaining social distance," adds Ms Tlou.
The Solidarity Fund is designed as a rapid response vehicle to mobilise South Africans in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, also calls on South Africans to draw strength and inspiration from each other through this new campaign.

"This has always been the South African way. We need to remember, now more than ever, that we are a nation of people who overcome, who encourage and uplift each other and who can inspire new ways of being. We will overcome Covid-19 together and will be stronger as a nation," says Tlou.

The campaign will go live on Wednesday, 12 May across a range of media platforms including broadcast, digital and activations in rural areas and townships.

Alongside the launch of the campaign, the Solidarity Fund will also be introducing a digital toolkit with communication and marketing material. The toolkit, which can be co-branded, will be freely accessible on the Solidarity Fund website.

It can be used by business, civil society and government to support Covid-19 behaviour adherence, vaccine education and uptake.

The material will be downloadable and will be available in:
  • English
  • Afrikaans
  • isiZulu
  • isiXhosa
  • Setswana, and
  • siSwati.
The digital toolkit goes live on Friday, 14 May with creative digital content. Educational content will be added progressively.

For more information, visit www.solidarityfund.co.za.