We are stronger together

THIS week President Ramaphosa announced the commencement of adjusted level 2.

This journey of transition within the context of dealing with Covid-19 as a country has become a regular occurrence.

The journey of pain and loss on the contrary has not been so simple and straightforward.

The footprint of death has left its mark.

Many families are picking up the pieces of the their broken hearts and their disturbed realities.

This valley of the shadow of death has been long, continuous and arduous.

This has been a tough season. Staying in this valley though is not an option.

Moving forward step by step and day by day is our only choice.

In the words of Vicki Harrison, grief is like the ocean, it comes on in waves, ebbing and flowing.

Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming, all we can do is learn to swim.

Importantly moving forward is not the process of forgetting the fallen but rather honouring their memory by building a lasting legacy.

As African people our interconnectedness is our greatest asset and strength.

We are stronger together and even more in times of adversity and challenge.

Let us listen to the pain of our people. Let us learn to swim together. In this journey of transition let us not forget the hurting and the lonely.

The collective and compounded trauma experienced over the last 18 months has been lived and felt by all.

Humanity has been called to recognise this moment of discernment. Mzansi, in solidarity let us be present in this moment, let us listen.

REV STEVEN-JOHN BAM | Southfield