The 21-day lockdown that began on Friday 27 March is now officially into its second week. These are difficult times but key to making the best of any crisis to is to attain a measure of perspective. In order to gain it, knowledge plays an important role.
South Africa does not mimic the model of other countries already impacted by the Corona virus. Our society is unique. Approximately fifteen percent of the population – or four million people – live in densely packed, informal urban settlements with communal taps and toilets.
Due to our unique societal structure the measures taken by our leaders are aimed at making an immediate impact on the protection of our people. The full lockdown status in this context makes sense. During a recent SABC News interview, Health minister Zweli Mkhize outlined the main reasons behind the lockdown.
First was to eliminate travel over the Easter weekend, where historically there is massive migration between provinces. By curbing this movement it can help limit the spread of the virus by those who don’t know they are carriers, and as a consequence, contain the infection rate.
Secondly, and equally importantly, by staying at home, it’s easier for the government to trace and track people with a travel history, or those who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
By creating a more controlled society, with stable communities during this time, the government is empowered to contain the spread of the virus and to manage the impact on all our people.
Let’s use this insight to motivate anyone doubting the value of the restrictions.
The Hart of the Matter is a regular editorial column by communications strategist and award-winning screenwriter Toby Hart.
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