First anniversary of lockdown in South Africa

By: Palesa Makanyane

Exactly 365 days ago on 26 March 2020, South Africa entered into a hard lockdown. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced level 5 restriction rules and this was the only way to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Coronavirus has modified our ways of living but not everyone has adjusted to the new norm. This Covid-19 lockdown has tested our livelihood and made it difficult for people who depend on the streets for survival.

The streets of South Africa were left empty after it was announced that no one should leave their home unless they are essential workers or going out for essentials. Soldiers patrolled the streets and malls around the country as soon as the lockdown was announced to ensure that everyone follows the law.

Ireen Manthata from Burgersfort, Ga-Phasha said the hardest thing about lockdown was forgetting a mask, the slow and long queues at shopping centres and being unable to travel to other provinces.

Meanwhile, Doreen Molapo (75), a street vendor explained how difficult it is to be an elder on the street trying to make a living by selling veggies.

“We heard Covid-19 affect older people because they are high risk, but I have to take care of my grandkids. My Sassa money does not sustain all our needs. My unemployed sons are selling next to the rank and I am scared that one of us gets infected; it means everyone will have it back at home. Regardless of everything we are thankful for the unemployment grants; it has made a huge difference for the youth specifically,” She said.

However, most businesses were ordered to stop operating to contain the spread of Covid-19. Tavern owner Ntswela Legora said although she was affected, the lockdown was a brilliant idea.

“The only way to survive was through my savings. I have kids; I don’t think I would have operated even if lockdown was not announced. I would rather lose my business than my family because of ignorance,” Said Ntswela.

 

 

Thapelo Motseo

COMPANY BACKGROUND Sekhukhune Times was founded in 2015 for the purpose of providing Sekhukhune community and businesses with quality news. The business is operated within the Sekhukhune district municipality which consist of four municipality namely Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality and Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality . Sekhukhune Times help the readers to become aware of their surroundings from social life, to the news happening in the community and also not forgetting what’s happening on the outside world’ it brings you all the news in a convenient and simple language that community can understand and It is released every Thursday and distributed through various mine, shops, , pubiic institutions and in schools. Complimentary copies are distributed to advertisers. The publication is also available online www.sekhukhunetimes.co.za Sekhukhune Times bring you all the news you need to know about the community, events coming up, speeches and also some tips on surviving student life as well as anything which you feel could be beneficial to students voicing out their opinions. MISSION . To became a cross border publication that will link young people from all corners of the world. . To became a source of information to the youth and community in general. .To became a tool for businesses big and small to market their products. .To serve as a communication tool for businesses, government, school and communities in general. .To offer jobs to young people and thus participate in eradicating unemployment, which is a major contributor to increase in crime, AIDS and poverty in our communities. .Provide auxiliary services such as printing, layout and design and photography for other institutions. . Sekhukhune Times is committed to providing the client with a quality product at competitive price within schedule. . At all time we will address and service the customers, requirements, comply with specifications, standards and technical requirements, act ethically and with dignity