The Unsung Heroes of COVID Relief: How Action in Isolation Served KwaZulu-Natal When No One Else Would

COVID Relief – When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill in early 2020, South Africa, like many nations, was thrown into chaos. The healthcare system strained, economic activity halted, and vulnerable communities—particularly in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)—were left to face the brunt of the crisis alone. But amidst the silence, fear, and government red tape, a remarkable grassroots movement was quietly taking shape. This is the story of Action in Isolation, the unsung heroes whose tireless COVID relief efforts saved thousands in KZN when no one else would.

KwaZulu-Natal at the Peak of the Pandemic

KwaZulu-Natal, home to over 11 million people, is one of South Africa’s most populous and diverse provinces. But it’s also a region marked by deep economic inequalities and strained healthcare services. During the peak of COVID-19:

• Hospitals were overwhelmed.
• Rural clinics lacked PPE and oxygen.
• Thousands lost their jobs, leaving families without food.
• Remote areas went days without government aid.

In such desperate times, immediate intervention was not a luxury—it was a necessity.

Birth of a Movement: What Is “Action in Isolation”?

“Action in Isolation” began as a small volunteer WhatsApp group in March 2020. Formed by educators, nurses, youth leaders, and retired social workers in Durban, their mission was simple yet powerful: bring immediate relief to those whom the system had forgotten.

Within weeks, the group had grown to over 300 active volunteers spread across KZN. While many organisations were still navigating red tape or waiting for government funding, Action in Isolation was already on the ground:

• Delivering food parcels to remote villages
• Sourcing and distributing masks and hand sanitizers
• Checking in on elderly and disabled residents
• Organising mobile clinics for COVID testing

Feeding the Forgotten: Food Relief That Made the Difference

One of the most urgent crises in KZN was hunger. Lockdowns meant daily wage earners had no income, and school closures cut off access to meals for children.

Action in Isolation stepped in with:

• Over 200,000 meals delivered in 2020 alone
• Daily cooked meals in informal settlements like Umlazi and Inanda
• Food parcels with enough supplies to last a family 2 weeks
• Partnership with local farmers and grocery stores for fresh produce

Even more impressive? The volunteers used personal savings, community donations, and social media crowdfunding to fund the entire operation.

Health Support When Hospitals Were Out of Reach

As hospitals in Durban and Pietermaritzburg began filling beyond capacity, rural communities in northern KZN had little to no access to health support.

Action in Isolation launched:

• Mobile COVID testing units
• Oxygen supply drops
• PPE kits for local clinic staff and home-care nurses
• Transportation services for the sick and elderly to reach health centers

They also distributed leaflets in isiZulu and English to spread awareness about COVID symptoms, testing protocols, and preventive care.

Focusing on the Forgotten: The Elderly, Disabled & Isolated

The organisation didn’t just focus on numbers—they focused on people. Special attention was paid to the elderly and disabled individuals living alone. Volunteers would check in regularly, deliver essentials, and even provide emotional support through socially-distanced visits.

Stories emerged of grandmothers in rural areas crying with relief when young volunteers knocked at their doors with medicine and food.

Working With, Not Against, Local Leaders

Unlike many relief efforts that ignored local systems, Action in Isolation worked with ward councillors, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders.

This helped them:

• Identify the most vulnerable families
• Set up distribution points in secure locations
• Avoid duplication of aid efforts
• Create trust among local communities

Their respectful, community-first approach became a model later emulated by larger NGOs.

Results That Speak Volumes

By the end of 2021, Action in Isolation had:

Impact Category	Achievements
Meals Distributed	200,000+
PPE Kits Supplied	10,000+
COVID Tests Facilitated	5,000+
Rural Clinics Assisted	40+
Elderly Supported	3,500+
Volunteers Engaged	300+

Their success was not just in numbers, but in how they restored dignity, built solidarity, and acted without expecting recognition.

Why Were They Never in the News?

Despite all they accomplished, Action in Isolation received little to no mainstream media coverage. Why?

• They didn’t seek publicity.
• Their efforts were too “small scale” for national headlines.
• Most of their work happened in forgotten rural areas.

But for the people of KZN, these volunteers were nothing short of heroes.

A Legacy That Lives On

As the pandemic wanes, Action in Isolation continues to operate, now focusing on:

• Skills development
• Community farming
• Mental health support for families affected by COVID deaths

Their story serves as a reminder that real change often comes from the ground up—from people who act when others hesitate.

FAQs

Q1. What is “Action in Isolation”?
A grassroots volunteer group that provided COVID relief in KwaZulu-Natal during the peak of the pandemic.

Q2. How was the group funded?
Through personal donations, crowdfunding, and community partnerships with local farmers and stores.

Q3. What areas did they serve?
Primarily underserved and rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal, including Umlazi, Inanda, and parts of northern KZN.

Q4. Did they work with the government?
They collaborated with local ward councillors and community leaders but operated independently from state-run aid programs.

Q5. Are they still active today?
Yes, they have shifted their focus to community rebuilding, skills development, and mental health support.