By the time you read this note, South Africa will be in lockdown.
While President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address on the evening of 23 March was anticipated, waking up to that reality was surreal. Having watched over a 100 countries battle this pandemic, becoming one of them is a humbling equaliser. While I was writing this, Al Jazeera reported that more than 18 000 people globally had died from Covid-19; more than 420 000 infections had been confirmed in at least 170 countries and territories. Nearly 109 000 people had recovered.
This virus doesn’t discriminate. Dismissing it and stigmatising it is at the peril of nations – despite what some world leaders will tell their citizens.
The only way to combat it is by working together. Luckily we have a president that understands this and his decisive action showed many how it should be done. The subsequent collaboration between the public and private sector and across party lines is heartening in the face of what seems to be insurmountable challenges.
Yes, the effects of this national shutdown will be immense. Quantifying the impact on the South African economy is a futile exercise at this stage because there is simply so much we don’t know. What is certain is that the end of this lockdown – whether it will be in 21 days or more – will only mark the start of a very hard road for us.
This decision was certainly not taken lightly, but it was made with the interest of South Africa’s most vulnerable at its core. If this virus is not contained, the economic consequences will pale in comparison to the human impact and SA will surely be one of the countries hardest hit. In a country where nearly 8m of our citizens are living with HIV, it is non-negotiable that every measure should be taken to ensure their safety.
And I think the majority of South Africans understand this, as has been proven by the overwhelming support the government’s mitigating measures have received across the board.
This lockdown will end. Life will resume. Things will return to (a new) normal. But my hope is that what does remain from this crisis is the unprecedented solidarity South Africa has shown.
