Community action in the time of COVID-19: moving at the speed of trust; sitting with complexity

Abstract

A significant proportion of South Africans believe that the COVID-19 pandemic will make people more supportive of one another. This finding of a survey conducted by the HSRC and University of Johannesburg is borne out by stories of human agency unfolding in Cape Town community responses to COVID-19. Together with other self-driving volunteer groups, these illustrate the centrality of human relationships, solidarity and trust in effective crisis responses. The challenge will be for the government to work with these social initiatives going forward.