This fight has shattered man’s ego

THE magnitude of the impact of the coronavirus is enormous, resulting in a global lockdown for the first time in a century.

The pandemic has laid bare the absolute inability of man to combat the spread of the virus in spite of the advances in science and technology.

It has humbled man, shattered his ego and infallibility.

The world we know no longer exists and we are reinventing a new order, for the first time exposed to our weak spots and compelled to realise the equality of man.

The virus reminds us what we are created to do, not to invade, oppress and obliterate but to look after and help each other.

It is the greatest test for our government, over and above the many challenges the state has to face over the decades. While efforts are made to contain and manage the spread of the virus, we also need to search for the spiritual purpose behind everything that happens.

This is a wake-up call for government to reassess and reform. The condition of the vulnerable remains an inconvenient truth. In this crisis, poverty is the elephant in the room.

It is time for compassion and understanding, wipe the tears of the afflicted and to learn from our mistakes. We must revisit our social contract currently marked by inequality, violence and unhappiness.

We need to commit to a moral order and integrity as a point of departure in our daily conduct and more emphatically in the governance of the country.

Our democracy needs new pillars of support.

Through collective action and commitment we overcame an inhumane system; this is the second revolution and opportunity to make amends for post-democracy transgressions.

We must believe “deep in our heart holding hand in hand” that we shall overcome any adversity.