All work is essential

The lockdown is a bowl placed over the weak and oxygen-deprived flame that is the SA economy. All sectors, and especially the people who comprise the economy, need to be allowed to breathe.

Given the seriousness and potentially devastating impact of the coronavirus, one can understand the government’s fear of the damage it could cause. But understanding that fear does not mean we should lose sight of the immense harm being caused by the economic and societal lockdown.

The government’s policies and agendas were already economically disastrous now the real concern is how many businesses will survive. The SMME and informal sectors are typified by entrepreneurs and businesses that need freedom and room to operate. For many in the informal sector, they must work full-time to make a living.

Some commercial operations considered essential have been allowed. The reality is that all work and trade is essential. No matter what the work one does or whether others consider it essential, people gain both psychological and material value from their work, and this is essential for prosperity and human development.

Work and the economy are not abstract concepts with no relation to reality. When people work, no matter the perceived importance of that work, they use their minds. They look for ways to improve, to learn, to trade and, fundamentally, to improve their lives and those of their families.

SA must return to normal as soon as possible. Given the precarious state of the economy before the lockdown, can we really afford to consider some work essential, and other work not?

Via e-mail Chris Hattingh