The graveyards of the Vaal Triangle have become chaotic every weekend as the pandemic sweeps through the diocese from the south, affecting hundreds of families and leaving no community un-touched.  A highly motivated diocesan team of 20 – 30 parish co-ordinators, field workers and counsellors visits parishes on a regular basis with the bishop to advertise services available and meet congregations. 

• Voluntary Counselling and Testing takes place in churches with the approval of the Department of Health, followed up by counselling and support for those in need
• The CPSA wellness programme for those living between becoming infected and becoming seriously ill is promoted through the women’s organisations. 
• Home Based Care is offered to the sick and more training is needed in this area
• Nutritional needs are met by distributing food parcels and training families to develop small vegetable gardens
• Stigma is confronted through continuing education
• The sick and the bereaved are visited regularly at home
• Assistance is given with funerals especially where unscrupulous funeral directors are exploiting the pandemic – and of course parishes conduct ever-growing numbers of funeral services.
• Orphans and vulnerable children are cared for in two homes and various community initiatives, all of which need strengthening and expansion as the crisis grows.