The Scientology Volunteer Ministers found yet another way to help: while taxis are striking, to protect hundreds of thousands of commuters who have to use Rea Vaya buses, Scientology Volunteers Ministers changed their normal schedule to work night shifts to decontaminate over 300 buses and 54 bus stations.
Rea Vaya Bus drivers have reportedly been very frightened to come to work due to the outbreak of Covid-19, and so are the passengers.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers, greatly worried about the communal transport system and the increased risk in cross contamination, responded by volunteering their time to decontaminate over 300 buses and 54 bus stations nightly for the past two weeks. And this does not prevent them from sanitizing over 13,000 taxis per day.
The Rea Vaya management specially organized for the Joburg Metro Police Department to be with the Volunteer Ministers team and ensure they remain safe during their night runs. In turn, the Metro Police also requested that the team decontaminate their cars as they feel much safer when their cars are fogged. While this was being done, more officers were called to come and get their cars fogged too. “I definitely don’t mind waiting even in the cold at 3am to get my car sanitized,” said one officer. “Your help makes us feel safer!”
Sandile Hlayisi, Public Affairs Director for the Scientology Volunteer Ministers said that they consider it their responsibility to help essential services. “It is part of our humanitarian work to see how we can best assist. And it gives us great pleasure to play our part and service the essential services.
A letter of appreciation from the Manager of Operations of REA VAYA stated,
“On behalf of all the employees at Rea Vaya Selby Depot, please accept my appreciation for the excellent job you and your staff have done to disinfect our facility so that we stay safe from Covid-19 infections. Thanks to your leadership and dedication combined with your staffs teamwork and energy. You and your employees should take great pride in this accomplishment. I personally thank each member of your team. In the meantime, please pass along my gratitude and that of all the staff of Rea Vaya Selby Depot Operations Control Centre.”
The Volunteer Ministers have so far donated over 220,000 hours in the fight against this pandemic, with over 9,000 buildings have been decontaminated, 272,610 vehicles including ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, army vehicles and 251,881 taxis.
