COVID19 makes work of civil society organizations very difficult in rural areas

Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association director Michael Mdladla Ndiweni has said COVID-19 has made work of civil society organizations very difficult in rural areas.

"Rural communities are struggling to take part in socio-economic and political conversations. The informarion gap seem to be widening even information on COVID-19. ZOOM is beyond reach of many. Data is expensive, smartphones are expensive. Its now the urban elite who are able to connect. How best can we re-define the ways to reach rural communities. They are being left behind. What are the best ideas?" he said.

"Maybe gate by gate efforts by community mobilisers. I say gate by gate because may not allow them in their homes. Pamphlets in vernecular languages. This is also the time to distribute radios like what we used to see some years back being done by Studio 7. Podcasts could be tried too but there will be challenge in distribution."