6RPH ORFNGRZQ UXOHV PDNH QR VHQVH ZKDWVRHYHU

Ineeded to purchase several baby items last week as my sister is due to give birth to her first child in June. It was quite a sight to see empty shelves and scramble for the last few items available. There were no options to choose from – you were lucky if there was even stock on the shelves. I managed to grab a pillow, cot mattress protector, fitted sheet and blanket and to match the ‘bunny’ duvet set, paired it with a matching bunny frame. But when I got to the till point, the cashier kindly indicated that I could not purchase the frame (which was on display with the cot), as it was not an essential item. Now, I fully understand the lockdown regulations but in reality, the rules just don’t make sense! As a shopper, I searched the entire store, touched all baby items but was unable to purchase a frame matching the baby duvet set. I just don’t understand the logic. By not purchasing the frame, how am I preventing the spread of Covid-19? The same number of shoppers is still in the store at a given time and we are still looking at all items. This week, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced the reopening of schools for Grades 12 and 7 as of 1 June. If teachers and pupils can adhere to social distancing rules and continue the curriculum, surely all companies can be opened so that the economy does not suffer further. We have been patient and adhered to all that was requested to date but I think the country has now reached breaking point! Lift the lockdown.