18 Feb 2021

Traditional leaders in Kareng are optimistic that the newly formed COVID-19 response teams will make a difference in the containment of local transmission.

The teams’ primary task  is  monitoring of public gatherings to ensure proper wearing of masks as well as maintenance of registers and social distancing.

Kareng traditional leaders  had in an interview recently decried   widespread non-compliance to protocols in the village which was fuelling the spread of COVID-19.

Their hope is that the response teams will raise public awareness on COVID-19 risks and mitigation measures.

One of the leaders, Kgosi Mpelegang Setlhakwane of Tswelelo ward explaineed that each ward had formed a team and all were expected to give a detailed report to the social worker every Thursday.

She accused parents of neglecting  children who ended up roaming the streets thereby risking infection.

Kgosi Setlhakwane said shortage of quarantine facilities in the village was distressing citing a recent incident where a pupil tested positive and contacts had no isolation centre to go to.

The situation led to the temporary suspension of teaching while the concerned pupils were spotted in public.

Kgosi Malebogo Mhapa of Kareng said people were reluctant to embrace the new normal and wanted to stick to their old ways of living. 

Some community members continued to visit public places without wearing masks and failed to maintain social distancing while others still attended gathering such as funerals and weddings in large numbers despite efforts by the leadership to encourage them to adhere to stipulated numbers.

Kgosi Mhapa said the suspension of alcohol sales had not been effective as many had resorted to making traditional brews. 

The formation of the response teams follows a District Emergency Operation Committee resolution to put in place structures for facilitate preventative measures and ensure COVID-19 protocol compliance in villages and catchment areas.

Members of the committee believe setting up village structures and engaging the district  leadership on issues of COVID-19 would increase compliance and therefore containment of the scourge. ends