Over 300 Manenberg pensioners received free disinfectants from two businessmen on Thursday to help them ward off the deadly Coronavirus.
The owner of Adam’s Moslem Meat Market, Anuar Adams, and the director of Clothing Apparel Mogamat Zain Jackson, say older people are more vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus but many do not have the money to spend on things like sanitiser and surgical masks.
The two invited the golden oldies via Facebook and just before 9am, pensioners were lining up to receive their free items.
LONG QUEUE: Over 300 Manenberg pensioners waiting in line. Picture: Velani Ludidi
Jackson says the idea for the handout comes after reports of empty shelves and skyrocketing prices as people scramble to buy the needed items in bulk.
“Those who are privileged and with money can afford to stockpile while the poor, especially the elderly who rely on a pension, are left with nothing,” he says.
“The elderly are more prone to this virus and we wanted to give a hand to them.”
By Thursday, 150 people had been infected with the virus in South Africa.
Globally the death toll was over 9000, with most victims over the age of 50.
Pensioners received a gift bag with wipes, soap and hand sanitiser.
Pensioners received a gift bag with wipes, soap and hand sanitiser. Picture: Velani Ludidi
Camera shy Anuar says he is hoping this will inspire others to do the same and urged mense to share with the less fortunate.
“Whoever is hoarding soaps and disinfectants, share with the elderly because shops are empty now,” he says.
“The elderly only get money once (a month when they get their pension).”
Pensioners given free disinfectants. Video: Velani Ludidi
Some supermarkets introduced special shopping times for pensioners but he says this is futile if the shelves are empty.
Alice Fisher, 81, said she was grateful for receiving the items.
“I am so grateful to the Lord that Mr Adams opened his door to us. May the Lord bless his business to prosper.”
Meriana Bowes, 81, said: “I did not have a hand sanitiser and people were saying I should get it. I went to three shops but it was sold out. I feel safer now I got it.”
Anuar says he is only happy to assist: “I did not expect so many people since we planned this last minute. My heart is filled with joy, the smiles I saw blessed me.”