Makers Valley Partnership (MVP) has convened a voluntary working group to develop an Emergency Food Security model for Makers Valley. The group comprises MVP partners including local CBOs, local community activists, as well as networking and fundraising assistance from several specialists working remotely.

A three-part programme of relief has been developed:

• A partnership with local spaza shops through which food parcels will be provided via a voucher system
• A soup kitchen which will operate from three locations in the Valley
• Distribution of information and personal protection such as masks to help guard against COVID-19 transmission

An important element of the evolving strategy is the links and partnerships being developed with both national advocacy groups such as the Community Action Network (CAN) and the C19 Peoples Coalition.

More information can be found on the website www.makersvalley.org.za with regards to the Back-a-Buddy campaign to support the Spaza Shop voucher programme and a map locating where the soup and spaza shops are.

About the Makers Valley

Makers Valley is a neighbourhood in Johannesburg inner city, just east of the CBD. It stretches from New Doornfontein to Bezuidenhout Valley, and includes Bertrams, Judith’s Paarl, Troyeville and Lorentzville. The name ‘Makers Valley’ refers to the growing presence and activities of many forms of creative entrepreneurism in the area. Artists, cultural practitioners, artisans, urban gardeners, carpenters, shoemakers, metal and woodworkers, clothing designers and others, live and work in the Valley.

The evolving community culture builds on versions of the Makers Movement within the 4th Industrial Revolution which encourages creativity, sharing, giving, learning, participation, mutual support and positive change.

The concept and practice of Changemaking is key to many of the activities within the Valley. Building on the Changemaking concept originally coined by Ashoka, activities are inspired by the conviction that progressive entrepreneurs and organisations mobilising locally can help to propel systemic change within a Wellbeing Economy framework.