While South Africa appears to be experiencing fewer Covid-19 cases and deaths when compared with other countries in the world – and there are many theories why this may be so – we are being fiercely hit by the spin‑off waves causing loss of jobs, unemployment, hunger and crime … and this continues to be acutely felt in Alex. While times are tough and confusing, Gumboots and its partners are providing leadership and the community is continuing to do its best under the difficult circumstances.