ZONKE DIKANA
“As a country, we have never been forced to stay indoors for as long as we have. Almost overnight, we had to be patient, do away with any ounce of lawlessness in us, stop with the jokes and be responsible. As a musician who’s always had to be on stage performing, I’m finding it difficult to just be still. But, just like everyone else, I’m learning to adjust. My work requires me to have an audience, so the pandemic has dented the pockets of those of us who work in the creative industry. As a parent, it has been challenging to reassure the children about something you aren’t sure of yourself. I’ve been playing my part in flattening the curve by staying informed through the right channels, news and official government social media posts so that I can relay, only, valid information. I wash my hands regularly, and now and then, share posts on social media about the importance of social distancing.
“COVID -19 has halted every plan we had for 2020 — it literally feels like the rug has been pulled from under our feet. It has forced my family and I to be more present, and engage one another in far more gentle and cautious ways. Something that has particularly stood out for me is my habit of distracting myself from uncomfortable situations by spending money, going out and bingeing on TV or social media. Since the lockdown, I’ve been forced to scrutinise my habits and equip myself with new tools of navigating uncomfortable situations, painful triggers and challenging relationships in my life. Showing up for my family has been foremost in my mind. Keeping my children strong, and grounded spiritually and emotionally, has been challenging. We now pray and meditate every morning. Just the other day, I found myself staring at them — watching how they smile, move and do things. While taking it all in, it hit me that I have been seeing them grow, but that I don’t always take the time to truly experience their growth. This period has been a much-needed wake-up call.
“I wasn’t too panicked when news of the virus broke in February. I knew that despite the fact that I was travelling through Washington DC and Miami, which were deemed risk zones, I would probably be fine because I was going to be in the Caribbean for a week. Research has indicated that the virus cannot survive in hot temperatures. Upon my return from the Caribbean, I visited the sauna every day until lockdown. Thankfully, I’m safe. As a family we are not too nervous — we are taking things one day at a time while enjoying the global ‘slow down.’ I have realised that we all react to global events differently, and I’ve appreciated getting to experience a different side to people through our collective efforts of staying healthy. As someone who forms part of the essential services, I hold this responsibility with great regard. I stay home when I’m not on air on Kaya FM, and have no interaction with the outside world. It’s just that simple.