iAfrica

Be Smart About South Africa

Airbnb And Ubuntu Beds To Support Frontline Medics Battling COVID-19

Airbnb and Ubuntu Beds have today launched a partnership to provide frontline medical staff with subsidized places to stay as they continue to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of Airbnb’s Frontline Stays initiative.  

As South Africa moves to Alert Level 2 and restrictions across the country ease, Airbnb will leverage the generosity of hosts across the region to help house heroic medical staff as they work tirelessly to keep South Africans safe. Airbnb will waive all fees for these stays.  

Medical staff will be connected to places to stay on Airbnb via Ubuntu Beds, an initiative that connects frontline workers in need of a place to stay to hospitality accommodation. The initiative has already helped connect more than 750 critical workers to over 13,000 nights in accommodations across South Africa. 

“As restrictions ease and travel returns to South Africa, hosts on Airbnb are opening their homes to frontline medical staff in need of a place to stay,” said Velma Corcoran, Airbnb Regional  Manager for Middle East Africa. “We’ve heard from numerous hosts throughout the pandemic who have wanted to help support our heroic medical staff as they continue their battle to keep us all safe. We’re now delighted to team-up with Ubuntu Beds to leverage the generosity of hosts on Airbnb and support this important work.” 

“We are delighted to work with Airbnb and are grateful for the generosity of hosts in South Africa,” said Kim Whitaker, CEO of Ubuntu Beds. “This collaboration will allow medics to enjoy the comfort of home in communities closer to hospitals, as they continue their critical work.” 

Since launching the Frontline Stays program, Airbnb has worked with governments and organisations across the world to connect frontline medical staff to more than 100,000 nights in subsidised accommodation provided by hosts on Airbnb. 

Airbnb also launched #GetBehindTheMask in May, a host-led campaign to help provide masks and face coverings to underserved communities across South Africa. 

Could you provide a place to stay to frontline medical staff? 

Please visit airbnb.com/covid19relief.

Are you a frontline worker in need of a place to stay? 

Please you can call 0861999308 or get in touch via WhatsApp at 0713001672.

Share with your network!