If the lockdown bickering and sniping rages on, all our efforts so far will be undone
Debate is welcome, but unity remains the paramount requirement
● “Fellow South Africans, this epidemic will pass, but it is up to us to determine how long it will last, how damaging it will be, and how long it will take our economy and our country to recover. We are indeed facing a grave emergency. But if we act together, if we act now, and if we act decisively, we will overcome it.”
These were the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa, as he concluded his speech on March 16 after announcing the national lockdown.
At that time other countries were already battling the coronavirus, which was devastating their communities and their economies. Like an invisible enemy, this novel coronavirus was fast becoming a global crisis, killing people in large numbers at an alarming speed.
In countries with world-class health systems, the harsh realities of Covid-19 were being felt, as their systems were overwhelmed by the number of sick and dying.
With this knowledge and the evidence presented by our own epidemiological scientists, Ramaphosa took decisive action and asked for maximum co-operation by all South Africans to stop the spread of the virus and buy time to prepare SA’s health systems. He made a call to us to put our country first and prevent what could be loss of life on a scale not seen in a century. Thankfully, so far we have succeeded.
What is clear is that by working together in unity we were able to minimise the impact and the damage of the unfolding crisis. The same will be true going forward.
Significantly, these events unfolded as we approached the Easter weekend. It was common cause that religious leaders would be among the first called upon to support the president’s call and postpone their planned Easter events.
This was a big ask by the president because resources had already been committed for these big annual events. Yet the faith community responded positively. We understood what was at stake — human lives — and saving lives is paramount, especially for people of faith.
In fact, every sector in our society responded positively to the president’s call. The sporting fraternity suspended all events and matches indefinitely.
From big business to informal traders and spaza shops, all heeded the call by closing their businesses and sacrificing their livelihoods to stand in solidarity and save lives. This came at a huge cost but they understood that nothing is more important than saving lives.
What was even more encouraging was seeing that the labour movements and big business were also aligned. Political parties too were in agreement with the president’s call and the approach the country was taking in confronting Covid-19. It was clear that this was a battle we were willing to confront together as one. For the first time since the dawn of our democracy, we were united based on our common humanity. Covid-19 underscored the urgent necessity of collective action, and of unity.
During the lockdown, and despite its dire costs, South Africans have seen exemplary leadership and what it means to stand together against a common enemy.
Many have praised the government’s transparency during this time. While mistakes were made — as acknowledged by the president in his last address to the nation — we are in uncharted territory. The leadership we have seen from the government during the pandemic has set a standard for what we should expect from this point onward.
The government has shown us that it is capable of responding immediately to the basic needs of our people. Similarly, we have witnessed faithbased organisations, churches and civil society joining the government in providing relief to the most vulnerable of our society.
We have witnessed ordinary people helping and supporting one another, with many companies raising funds to help fight the disease. We have seen government leaders, including the president and his ministers, cut their salaries to contribute to fighting the disease.
South Africans have shown great generosity and displayed the spirit of ubuntu and unity during these difficult times.
However, as the costs of the pandemic mount, we have now started seeing a spirit of division, not only among political parties but also within the scientific community. While we must welcome robust debate, this must be within the ambit of a united posture, or the good work so far, and the sacrifices, will be undone.
We should not be afraid to admit that the past two months have been difficult and challenging — socially, financially, emotionally, mentally and even physically. Our faith and patience have been tested to the full. Our tolerance has been tested. But as South Africans we have shown a capacity for resilience and unity in the midst of diversity.
We have come too far to give up now; we have sacrificed too much to give up now; we have given everything that was asked of us and we cannot give up now and act irrationally. We must continue fighting this invisible enemy together and in unity, in the most effective way possible.
This week the spirit of unity was displayed again when a broad range of religious leaders met the president in preparation for the easing of the lockdown to level 3.
As the easing begins, we are going to need each other more than ever. We cannot afford disunity or politicking now. We cannot afford petty fights but must put our differences aside and work towards the common good. We urge our president and his cabinet to rise above petty politics and continue to provide leadership in this fight against our common enemy.
It is this spirit of unity we need to sustain if we are to overcome this disease. God bless SA and protect her people.