The country’s poorest of the poor are experiencing extreme hardship under the extended lockdown. This is not unique to South Africa because hundreds of third world countries around the world are going through the same hardships if not worse. We are all in this together.
Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a massive, R500-billion package aimed at loosening the grip that COVID-19 has on the economy. It is unprecedented, historic and unexpected. He announced that unemployed people, not in receipt of money from the Unemployment Insurance Fund, or a grant, will get R350 per month for 6 months. Grant beneficiaries are to receive an extra R250 a month for the next 3 months. He announced several other aid packages during the live broadcast.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given couch potatoes and keyboard protestors an opportunity to hurl criticism at our president with statements like, “not enough” and “stop the lockdown”. It seems to me that they refuse to take accountability because they expect the government to do its job of protecting its citizens. To lift the lockdown restrictions now would increase the transmission of the coronavirus dramatically.
The impact of COVID-19 on our psyche is severe. During the lockdown, many women, men and children are stuck at home with their abusers. The number of cases reported since the beginning of the lockdown is really scary. There is no excuse for abuse during or after lockdown. The bravest thing you and I can do is to help someone who needs help or is asking for help. Call the Stop Gender-Based Violence Helpline on 0800 150 150.
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