According to the department, MEC Albert Fritz and officials from his department on Monday night had a digital introductory meeting with KDF to discuss solutions to address Covid-19 related challenges in the community such as social distancing and flattening the curve. 

It was agreed that the department will form part of the joint steering-committee established by the KDF on the Khayelitsha targeted Covid-19 Hotspot plan to realise the whole of society coordination efforts.

“The targeted Covid-19 Hotspot plan is a whole of government strategy and, in Khayelitsha, the nodal point will be the head of department for community safety. The targeted hotspot plan will combine government resources across departments, agencies, NGOs and organisations to slow the spread of the virus,” Fritz said.

The Western Cape legislature adopted a whole of government targeted hotspot plan to tackle the spread of Covid-19 in high population areas, where high transmission rates have been recorded, Fritz said. 

It said it aims to change individual and community behaviour to slow the spread of the virus and save lives in areas that go beyond districts and even sub-districts. This is done in partnership with all spheres of government.

“I would like to thank the KDF for welcoming us to engage the steering committee and discuss solutions to prevent the spread. During last night’s meeting, the KDF expressed a willingness to work together with the Western Cape Government. 

"They will be an essential partner in ensuring that government initiatives are implemented and that countless lives are saved,” Fritz said.

“The KDF are a critical community stakeholder that will ensure that the Covid-19 hotspot plan in Khayelitsha reaches the broader Khayelitsha population.”

African News Agency